Dolphins are perhaps the most intelligent, curious and mischievous animal in nature. Now available in paperback!

REVIEWS:

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Gr 2-5. Partnering with the Smithsonian Institution, the noted science writer captures readers’ attention immediately as he describes the "clever, curious, and mischievous" dolphins that seem to be unafraid of humans. He admits that there really isn’t that much difference…

Gr 2-5. Partnering with the Smithsonian Institution, the noted science writer captures readers' attention immediately as he describes the "clever, curious, and mischievous" dolphins that seem to be unafraid of humans. He admits that there really isn't that much difference between dolphins and porpoises and reveals the way to tell them apart-"dolphins often swim on or just below the surface, riding the bow waves of fishing boats." The brightly colored photographs take up one side (or more) of each spread, and the accompanying text balances descriptions of the characteristics of the animals with the threats posed to their survival in today's world. A half-page glossary defines a range of terms, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 that complements the environmental information included in the text. The index leads readers to discussions of such terms as "beached dolphin," "red tide," "pollution," and "commercial fishing," as well as "aunties" (female dolphins other than the mother who help raise babies), "dominance," and "prey." Simply outstanding.

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BOOKLISt, J.B. Petty

Seymour Simon has been a leading author in science-related books for children for a number of years. Collaborating here with the Smithsonian, Simon presents fascinating facts about these playful mammals and describes the difference between dolphins, porpoises, and whales in…

Seymour Simon has been a leading author in science-related books for children for a number of years. Collaborating here with the Smithsonian, Simon presents fascinating facts about these playful mammals and describes the difference between dolphins, porpoises, and whales in terms that children can understand. Without being didactic, he discusses the physiology and habits of dolphins, as well as the greatest threat to the species—humans. Accompanied by full-page color photographs of dolphins, the text is presented with considerable white space in the margins. The book includes a brief glossary, an index, and links to the Smithsonian and the Dolphin Institute Web sites. Children, teachers, and librarians alike will be drawn to this clear, colorful book. Grades 1-4.

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CHILDREN'S LITERATURE, Sarah Knight

Dolphins have always fascinated humans. The image of the bottlenose dolphin smiling at its human counterparts or playing tag with a speedboat is ingrained in the human psyche. Seymour Simon demonstrates that the affable bottlenose dolphins are in fact a…

Dolphins have always fascinated humans. The image of the bottlenose dolphin smiling at its human counterparts or playing tag with a speedboat is ingrained in the human psyche. Seymour Simon demonstrates that the affable bottlenose dolphins are in fact a small segment of a larger classification of whales; there are 35 species of dolphins and 5 species of porpoises, and both are classified under the larger category of whales. In fact, dolphins and porpoises are merely smaller, toothed whales. This text offers insight concerning dolphin behavior, anatomy, and environment; it undeniably broadens the reader's conception of dolphins. Additionally, beautiful, often stunning pictures of dolphins and porpoises complement the writing. For example, when describing the strength of the mother-calf bond, a full-sized photo of mother and calf nestling underwater offers a memorable image of the bond. The text offers a plethora of information about dolphins and would be highly beneficial for classroom instruction. Some examples of the information included in the book are: dolphins not only live in the ocean, but also live in the rivers of South America and Asia; river-dwelling dolphins are known as freshwater dolphins, and the fastest moving dolphin or porpoise is the Dall's porpoise. Full-page photos complement these facts and enable children to easily understand and remember a new, broadened concept of dolphins.

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