How does a Penguin identify its own chick from among the thousands that want to be fed? 

REVIEWS:

KIRKUS REVIEWS

Striking color photographs, often filling a page or more, distinguish this addition to the extensive literature about penguins. Six different species are shown close up and in their natural habitat. The well-organized text describes where these appealing birds live; how…

Striking color photographs, often filling a page or more, distinguish this addition to the extensive literature about penguins. Six different species are shown close up and in their natural habitat. The well-organized text describes where these appealing birds live; how they walk, feed and swim; their mating and chick-rearing; and predators, before going on to distinguish among the species and summarize modern threats. Direct references to the pictures on the facing page make this content easy for the youngest reader or listener to follow, although they may be confused by the statement that Gentoo penguins' orange bill "sets them apart from other penguins" when the species illustrated before and after that page are also shown with orange bills. The author of more than 200 books for young readers, Simon packs a great deal of information into his relatively simple, smooth writing. There is no map but the end matter includes a glossary, index and suggestions for further reading, including websites about penguins and the Smithsonian, as well as other titles by the author. (Nonfiction. 4-7)

[ Read more ]

CHILDREN'S LITERATURE, Jennifer Keeney

Penguins have always been appealing to children, but now there is a one-stop book to answer all of those burning questions about these remarkable and unusual birds. Striking and rich photographs present many species of penguins to young readers in…

Penguins have always been appealing to children, but now there is a one-stop book to answer all of those burning questions about these remarkable and unusual birds. Striking and rich photographs present many species of penguins to young readers in this exceptional book. Misconceptions about penguins are clarified, and the manuscript is full of interesting and relevant facts. When multiple photographs are included on a spread, captions clearly identify different species. Simon highlights the ever-popular Emperor penguin, as well as other species, such as Adelie, King, Magellanic, and Macaroni penguins. The life cycles of penguins are explored, including mating rituals, egg laying, diet, and predators. A glossary and index are included on the last page, for easy reference. Seymour Simon does it again—science comes alive through his writing and photographic choices. If one cannot travel to Antarctica to witness penguins firsthand, reading Simon's book is the next best alternative.

[ Read more ]

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, Cathie E. Bashaw, Somers Library, NY

Gr 1-3. Simple sentences with easy-to-read phrases present an overview of these topics for beginning readers. Information is presented in just two or three sentences per page, and the large font size will make the books attractive to emerging readers.…

Gr 1-3. Simple sentences with easy-to-read phrases present an overview of these topics for beginning readers. Information is presented in just two or three sentences per page, and the large font size will make the books attractive to emerging readers. Simon's writing is clear and straightforward. Although there is no glossary, the author uses good examples to help readers understand terms. In addition, Wild Bears sends an important message to its audience with an appeal to children to do their part to preserve these animals: "If we want to have bears in nature, we need to leave a home for them. The future of bears is up to us." The books include a number of stunning, colorful, glossy photos that are sure to pique young readers' interest. These solid choices will appeal on several levels.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

[ Read more ]