Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 3-6. While some children's books try to take the killer out of killer whales, this book, by a prolific science book author (see starred review of Outside and inside Killer Bees), begins with a definition of predators: hunters who find, catch, and eat other animals --their prey--in order to survive. Markle's explanation of how and why killer whales are successful involves areas as varied as their senses, their strength and mobility in the water, their cooperative social structure, their hunting strategies, and their sleeping habits. The most fascinating section follows a young whale from birth to her first kill. Along the way, Markle allows children to observe such behaviors as nursing, communicating with the pod, and snatching a seal from the shore. A full-page, color photograph appears on each double-page spread, illustrating a paragraph or two of text surrounded by plenty of white space. The book, part of the new Animal Predators series, concludes with a glossary and a brief, annotated lists of recommended books and videos. --Carolyn Phelan Copyright 2004 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-7-Dramatic, large color photos keep step with informative, readable texts as they follow a pod of orcas and a female polar bear in the Arctic. Markle provides facts on communication, diet, hunting techniques, birth, development, social behaviors, and habitat in her clearly written narratives. Each volume has a "Looking Back" section promoting close attention to specific photos. While less detailed than Dorothy Hinshaw Patent's excellent A Polar Bear Biologist at Work (Watts, 2001) or Mark Carwardine's comprehensive Killer Whales (DK, 2002), these handsome titles nonetheless offer eye-catching, lucid presentations.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Markle observes these predators' hunting techniques and includes information about their physical characteristics, physiology, habitats, and care of young. The conversational texts are accompanied by full-page, close-up color photos of the animals and their (often bloody) prey. Anatomical diagrams of the animal features discussed (e.g., an orca's throat) would have been helpful. A very brief ""Looking Back"" section provides additional facts. Reading list. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Animal Predators titles: Killer Whales, Lions, Polar Bears, and Wolves.] (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
