Themed Reviews (Endangered Sea Life)

Themed Reviews

Endangered Sea Life

What could be better on a hot summer day than head for the beach. In addition to our enjoyment, we must keep in mind that the ocean is the habitat for a host of creatures and that these waters are becoming too polluted for either people or the denizens of the deep. Here are a few books to help raise awareness.

Reviews

Big Blue Whale
Nicola Davies
Illustrated by Nick Maland
Nicola Davies provides a look at nature's largest living marvel in Big Blue Whale. The spare, lyrical text often uses examples from the child's world to help youngsters understand this great creature. For example, the blue whale's skin is "springy and smooth like a hard-boiled egg" and its eye is "big as a teacup." Nick Maland's pen-and-ink and wash illustrations capture both the majesty and vulnerability of the blue whale, of which only 10,000 remain. 2000 (orig. 1997), Candlewick, Ages 3 to 8, $19.99 and $5.99. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum
ISBN: 0-7636-1282-0
ISBN: 1-56402-895-X

Dolphins: Fins, Flippers, and Flukes
Adele D. Richardson
What is it about dolphins that bring a smile to most folks' faces? Is it their aquatic antics, the "clown of the sea" image? Or is it the line of the dolphin's mouth, upturned, so that a dolphin seems to smile back? Whatever reasons, this book, part of the "Wild World of Animals" series, is a great way for young or preschool "readers" to find out more about those seemingly docile whale cousins spotted on summer trips to aquariums or beaches. Using real photographs, the book labels fins, blowhole, flukes, explains why dolphins are mammals and not fish, then goes on to feature life-and birth-in a pod of dolphins. It also includes photos of lesser-known dolphins such as the Amazon River Dolphin, the world's largest fresh water dolphin. Not only is this a good book to stock in a classroom of young children, it's also great to take along on the family trip to aquarium or beach. It includes Internet sites, vocabulary words, other book titles about dolphins plus a hands-on science experiment to demonstrate how waters become polluted. Daniel K. Odell, Ph.D., Research Biologist at SeaWorld, Florida was a consultant to the book. 2001, Bridgestone Books/Capstone Press, Ages 4 to 7, $18.60. Reviewer: Judy Crowder
ISBN: 0-7368-0825-6

Endangered Ocean Animals
Dave Taylor
This volume in Crabtree's "Endangered Animals" series looks at the plight of marine mammals, fish and birds that depend on the ocean for a healthy existence. Students will learn about the far-reaching effects of ocean pollution (oil spills, garbage and industrial waste), driftnet fishing, illegal whaling, and motorboating, just some of the problems that are currently plaguing today's marine wildlife. The author discusses various endangered marine species (humpback whales, Steller sea lions, brown pelicans, California sea lion, sharks, elephant seals, manatees, dolphins, and southern sea otters) and offers suggestions for preserving the ocean's future. 1993, Crabtree Publishing, Ages 8 to 12, $7.95. Reviewer: Debra Briatico
ISBN: 0-86505-543-2

Great White Sharks
Marie Levine
Sharks have been greatly maligned in literature and film. Levine offers readers information about great white sharks-their incredible bodies are streamlined for speed in the ocean and their teeth are serrated and constantly replaced. Readers learn about the shark's ancestors, and the special adaptations relating to metabolism, fins, liver and their senses including special nerves that let them detect weak electrical fields. Once kids start reading about these creatures, they will not want to put the book down. Photographs and illustrations fill the pages. The book concludes with twenty fascinating facts about the great white shark, a glossary, suggested reading list and an index. Part of "The Untamed World" series, Levine's book is a good selection for kids who want more than introductory information. 1998, Raintree Steck-Vaughn, Ages 10 up, $26.40. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8172-4569-3

Interrupted Journey: Saving Endangered Sea Turtles
Kathryn Lasky
Photographs by Christopher G. Knight
The number of Kemp ridley sea turtles has dropped dramatically in the past fifty years. Lasky and Knight have created a compelling photodocumentary describing some of the complex processes now in place to keep the species alive. Many young ridleys mistakenly end up in Cape Cod and risk being frozen to death far from the warm waters they instinctively seek. Volunteers search for the turtles in November and December. Those that are found alive undergo a long and complicated recovery process, which begins with veterinary care in the New England Aquarium. After they are fully recovered the turtles take an airplane ride to Florida where they become acclimated to their new surroundings in a motel swimming pool. Finally, they take a boat ride, which culminates in their release into the quiet waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This entire process takes about five months. Distinctive, full-color photographs carefully document each step of the extensive rescue procedure. 2001, Candlewick Press, Ages 8 to 12, $16.99. Reviewer: Phyllis Kennemer
ISBN: 0-7636-0635-9

Life in the Coral Reef
Bobbie Kalman & Niki Walker
Photographs by Tom Stack & Associates
This educational book has outstanding photographs and illustrations. The vibrant colors are attention grabbing. The importance of the coral reefs in the ecology of the earth is explained as well as how the coral reefs are being harmed and destroyed. The author then offers solutions and suggestions to help prevent the destruction of these beautiful natural resources. 1997, Crabtree, Ages 7 up$16.95 and $5.95. Reviewer: Kristin Harris
ISBN: 0-86505-629-3
ISBN: 0-86505-729-X

North American Endangered Species
Colleayn O. Mastin
Illustrations by Jan Sovak
This is a beautifully illustrated book by award winner Jan Sovak featuring fifteen North American animals that are in danger of becoming extinct. Each animal is introduced with a short poem, followed by factual information and why the species is considered to be endangered. Other titles in the same "Grasshopper Series" include North American Ocean Creatures and North American Wild Animals. A great addition to any home or school library. 1997, Grasshopper Books, Ages 6 up, $9.95. Reviewer: Cheryl Peterson
ISBN: 1-895910-27-7

The Ocean
Cari Meister
Whether researching a likely vacation spot or looking back on an enjoyable trip taken last summer, adults study brochures or travel guides. Now grade-schoolers can, too, with the "Going Places" series. This series features common family vacation spots, some specific, like the Grand Canyon or Disney World, and some more general, like Canada and Mexico. The Ocean, filled with colorful photographs of beaches, tide pool life, and even a humpback whale, focuses on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Simple text with key words in bold print tell what an ocean is, how the Atlantic and Pacific differ, why tides are important and, finally, what a vacationer can do-play in the waves, snorkel, beach-comb for shells or whale watch. Meister throws in a few words of caution, such as warning readers to make sure shells are uninhabited before taking them home, as well as the obligatory chapter about saving the oceans. The book includes Internet sites, a brief glossary and an index. This book will come in handy for both families and the classroom, and can trigger discussion at the start of a school year about "What did you do last summer?" or be used in a unit of study about the oceans. 2000, ABDO Publishing, Ages 6 to 10, $19.92. Reviewer: Judy Crowder

An Old Shell: Poems of the Galapagos
Tony Johnston
Pictures by Tom Pohrt
Johnston creates wonderful images in this collection of 34 poems that describe the flora, fauna, and terrain of these mystical Pacific islands. Young children will enjoy the short poems such as "Beetle" "Sea Lion" and "Greater Flamingo" while older children and adults will relish the word pictures and sounds of poems such as "Small White Flowers" "The Whale" and "The Voice." She reflects on the return of the Beagle and what it would find now in the Galapagos in "The Ghost." The Author's Note is informative and does contain a plea to preserve these islands. Teachers who use the book in social studies programs will need to take the introductory map and put it in a larger context, but I don't consider that a negative. The delightful black-and-white drawings by Pohrt provide a more concrete interpretation of the various birds, animals and scenes described in the poems. 1999, Farrar, Ages 5 up, $15.00. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-374-35648-3

One Tiny Turtle
Nicola Davies
Illustrated by Jane Chapman
Loggerheads are one of seven species of turtles. They earned their name because as they age, their shells become as hard as armor and their heads are as tough as a helmet. The life cycle of this marine reptile is related from the time that this Loggerhead is a baby until she mates and has laid her eggs. Once again a little baby makes it to the ocean and the cycle starts again. The turtle and its watery realm are all beautifully depicted by Jane Chapman. The Loggerhead drifts through kelp forests and travels thousand of miles in warm coral reefs to shoals filled with clams and shrimp. Survival is difficult and sometimes baby turtles are confused after they hatch by the streetlights and buildings and cannot make their way to the sea. 2001, Candlewick, Ages 4 to 8, $15.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7636-1549-8

Rare and Endangered
John Dowd
Jim, Carlin and Julia are on a turtle-tagging mission along the eastern drop-off of the sandy Caicos Banks. They take in the luscious landscape leading to the cays. "Flocks of small birds, startled by the sudden appearance of a motorboat, exploded in the air, while mudskippers, their bulging bullfrog eyes standing clear above the surface, swarmed for cover among the tangled roots." Along the way, they meet Miles, an eccentric student of flamingos. Once camp is set, they rest until nightfall and then go out to find mother turtles laying eggs in their sandy shoreline nests. It takes teamwork to tip the turtles over and attach transmitters for scientific study. All is going well until they come face to face with violent poachers from the Dominican Republic and a tropical storm growing to hurricane strength. They must somehow race against the storm and find the now missing flamingo scientist. When they are kidnapped themselves, this adventure becomes a life and death quest. Readers of all ages will become absorbed in the vivid description of the tropical landscape and the suspense-ridden events. 2000, Peachtree, Ages 10 to 14, $5.95. Reviewer: Leslie Julian
ISBN: 1-56145-217-3

The Search For the Right Whale
Scott Kraus and Kenneth Mallory
In 1980, when the species seemed close to extinction, 26 North Atlantic right whales were found swimming in the Bay of Fundy, their northern feeding grounds. Readers will sense the excitement of the chase in this description of the subsequent research that revealed the winter calving grounds and migration route of the whale dubbed the "right" one to hunt for oil. 1993, Crown, Ages 8 to 14, $14.99. Reviewer: Beverly Kobrin
ISBN: 0-517-57845-X

Seas and Oceans
Antonella Meucci
Illustrated by Matteo Chesi et al
Each spread features a column entitled "Did You Know?" highlighted with a pink background. This information is presented in a question and answer format. The rest of the page features a brief text and a full color image of the animal or feature under discussion. For example, readers learn that while humans do the worst damage to coral reefs, crown of thorns starfish are also a major threat. There are plenty of facts in logical grouping, but the book is more a collection of sound bites and a great source of marine trivia. There is a good glossary and a reference section that includes books, videos and web sites. 2000 (orig. 1999), Gareth Stevens, Ages 8 to 12, $21.27. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8368-2475-X

Sharks
Ruth Berman
Photographs by Jeffrey L. Rottman
Sharks are one of the most misunderstood animals on earth. It was for this reason that Berman decided to write this book as part of the "Nature Watch" series. It is filled with interesting facts about the early ancestors of the shark family, the many different types of sharks, the animal's anatomy and reproduction, and the effect of people on the fragile environment of these creatures. After reading this book and seeing the excellent photographs included, children may have a better understanding and a greater respect for this fascinating marine animal. Glossary and index included. 1995, Carolrhoda, Ages 8 up, $19.93 and $7.95. Reviewer: Wendy Ricci
ISBN: 0-87614-870-4
ISBN: 0-87614-897-6

Sea Turtles Past and Present
Marianne Johnston
About 220 million years ago, proganochelys (a type of prehistoric sea turtle) spent all of their time in the water except to lay eggs. They had big flippers but not as big as the Archelon, which lived 70 million years ago. Today there are five kinds of sea turtles in American waters and they are found along the southeastern coast and in the Gulf of Mexico. One, the leatherback, can weigh up to 800 pounds while the smallest, the Kemp's ridley turtles, are the most threatened due to contamination, humans and natural predators. Turtles have changed very little over the eons and their return to the beaches of their birth to lay new eggs has intrigued scientists. This clearly written introductory nonfiction text is liberally illustrated and also has a glossary, index and references to web sites. A good choice for elementary classrooms and libraries. 2000, Rosen, Ages 8 to 12, $18.60. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-8239-5205-3

Saving Sea Otters
Elin Kelsey
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a Sea Otter Research and Conservation program (SORAC) which rehabilitates injured and orphaned sea otters and returns them to their environment. Captured in this book are photographs that show the wonderful, dedicated, sensitive people who dedicate their lives to saving sea otters. Throughout the book, staff and volunteers share their personal experiences. For example, there is Sue, who got her start in 1989 when she saw the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. She quit her job as a waitress, in Monterey, and headed for Alaska to help. Following that experience she returned to Monterey and became a staff member of SORAC. The staff allows you to peek through the door into the sea otters world and people who work to save them. There is just something about the furry, cuddly sea otters that captures your heart. It gives you a feeling of the importance of preserving our ocean for the wonderful creatures that inhabit it. BIBLIO: 1999, Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation, Ages 13 to 18 $15.95. Reviewer: Leila Toledo
ISBN: 1-878244-27-2

A Swim Through the Sea
Kristin Joy Pratt
From angel-to zebrafish by way of xiphosuran (no X marks the spot here!), this stunning menagerie of marine life is beautiful to look at and full of facts. Point out to aspiring author/artists that the hardworking Ms. Pratt wrote this, her second book (first was her alphabetical Walk In The Rainforest), while in high school. Have youngsters use the book above to create their own alphabet on a family member, subject of a biography they've just read, someone in the news, a classmate, neighbor, pet, or any other person, place or thing of special interest.
1994, Dawn, Ages 3 to 10, $16.95 and $7.95. Reviewer: Beverly Kobrin
ISBN: 1-883220-03-3
ISBN: 1-883220-04-1

Swimming with Hammerhead Sharks
Kenneth Mallory
Although the title of this book may make some readers squeamish, it is, in fact, an exciting and informative investigation into the lives of these dangerous creatures. The author traveled with an expert marine biologist to a tiny island off the coast of Costa Rica. Along with the skills of talented photographers, they put together a story of their travels, which includes a close-up look at the hammerhead shark. Whether alone or in schools of 100, these fierce creatures are awe-inspiring. Unfortunately, however, sharks may soon become endangered. Factors such as their accidental capture in fishing nets or the taking of their fins for shark-fin soup are contributing to their rapid population decline. Readers of this well-written and interesting book will develop a new respect and appreciation for all sharks. 2001, Houghton Mifflin, Ages 10 up, $16.00. Reviewer: Denise Daley
ISBN: 0-618-05543-6

Whale
Vasilli Papastavrou
Photographs by Frank Greenaway
This reference book takes a close-up look at the fascinating world of majestic sea mammals including whales, dolphins, seals, dugongs, walruses, sea lions, and narwhals. The author describes how whales have adapted to sea life and explores whale communication, socialization, behaviors, courtship and reproduction, life cycles, habitats, physical characteristics, strandings, evolution, and myths and legends. Part of the "Eyewitness Books" series. BIBLIO: 1993, Alfred A. Knopf, Ages 10 up, $19.00 and $20.99. Reviewer: Debra Briatico
ISBN: 0-679-83884-8
ISBN: 0-679-93884-2

Whale Biologist at Work
Sneed B. Collard III
The blue whale is the world's largest animal. Each whale may grow to more than 80 feet long, five times longer than the boat used by the biologist who is studying and photographing whales in this story. Although the book includes too much detail about the grants needed to pursue such studies, it is a unique and valuable approach for young people to see how one can fashion a career around a love of whale watching. In this case, biologist John Calambokidis has been an animal-lover since childhood. After college, he and several other scientists started an organization to learn more about how to protect marine mammals. Today, he photographs whales off the coast of California, using identifying marks to record how often he sees the same whales. Calambokidis has determined that 2000 of the world's 5,000 blue whales swim off the coast of California. The photographs are stunning, and also give readers a chance to test their newly learned whale identification skills by comparing photos of several whale flukes. The book is excellent for career or animal studies and includes a short glossary, bibliography and appropriate websites. BIBLIO: 2000, Franklin Watts, Ages 8 to 14, $22.50. Reviewer: Karen Leggett
ISBN: 0-531-11786-3

Wild About Dolphins
Nicola Davies
Zooolgist, Nancy Davies is unabashedly in love with dolphins. She introduces readers to a variety of dolphins and imparts plenty of factual information about their bodies, characteristics, what they eat and where they live along with full color photographs and drawings. The pages are a composite of her story as she travels the world's oceans searching for dolphins and insets that contain pictures and fact boxes about these interesting mammals. The concluding pages contain a guide to dolphin species (name, size, locale and pod size), information about dolphin research and how to find out more. She notes that dolphins are trapped in fishing nets and poisoned by pollution and by counting them and learning more about them, they and their habitats may be saved. 2001, Candlewick, Ages 7 to 12, $10.99. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot
ISBN: 0-7636-1454-8

For more information, visit the following:
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Center for Marine Conservation
National Audubon Society/Living Oceans Program
World Wildlife Fund
Natural Resources Defense Council
Environmental Defense

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