DK Eyewitness Books: Whale
Grade 3-6-Although indexed and divided into chapters, this introduction to whales is more an attractive browsing item than a substantive work of nonfiction. The two-page entries cover such topics as evolution, physical characteristics, social life, reproduction, and more; headings such as "I am the Walrus" attempt to introduce a hint of humor into the text. Every page is laced with full-color photographs and drawings of marine mammals in a collage type arrangement, and every now and then a small cartoon or "funny bit" is inserted. The writing is often vague and imprecise, e.g., in the evolution entry, "sea otters entered the oceans relatively recently" is stated to explain their still-furry appearance and dependence upon land, but what does the author mean by relatively recently-last week? On the other hand, the brief explanation of the Greek terms for whales' fins-the pectoral (chest) and the dorsal (back)-is well done. Not for reports, but acceptable recreational reading.Frances E. Millhouser, Reston Regional Library, VACopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.