Grade 2-4-This rather simplistic introduction to cetaceans is full of color photos and illustrations, with some terms in bold print that are either defined in the text or in the brief glossary. The text in the short chapters is broken into "titled" paragraphs, leading readers quickly to desired facts. General information on whales as well as on a variety of species is included. Physiology, general biology, and habitats are briefly explored. Sections on "Whale watching" and "Whales in danger" are also here, along with three out-of-step pages in which Kalman reports on her own experiences whale watching in Hawaii. The author includes her own "imaginings" as to the thoughts that the whales were entertaining at the time. While interesting, they strike a somewhat discordant note in an otherwise factual work. A small carp: at one point readers are told that "River dolphins are the only cetaceans that live in freshwater habitats-" but belugas regularly enter rivers, and a resident population in the St. Lawrence has been severely affected by pollutants in that waterway. One of a burgeoning series, this title is adequate, if workaday.
Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
"The Science of Living Things... books present precise scientific information in clear, colorful illustrations, photography and graphic organizers. Labels and bold-faced typography further enhance the text. Noteworthy, too, are the boxed background pictorials and graphic charts... This series provides a wealth of science information for students from grades 3 upward. Highly recommended for librarians and teachers who assist students with science projects." -- Catholic Library World, 07/98
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