Review by Choice Review
The title of this book misleads slightly. Although Hoyt (Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society) identifies and provides illustrations for almost all whale, dolphin, and porpoise species, the content about these animals is not encyclopedic. The information about each species, and for cetaceans as a whole, is current and relevant, but it lacks details, depth, and context. Synthesizing the numerous accounts of lengths, weights, diet, habitat, and social notes for each species will be a challenge for many readers. There are artist's renderings for each species, many of which are used in multiple locations throughout the book, allowing readers to note differences in morphological features, colors, and size among these mammals. The hallmark of this book, however, is its photography. The photographs are remarkable in their clarity, offering striking depictions of whales, dolphins, and porpoises in their natural habitats. Particularly arresting are the underwater photographs; these provide a perspective that few humans will ever see. These photographs seem powerful enough to imbue readers with an affinity for these animals that good drawings and interesting anecdotes cannot. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers. --Stephen Robert Fegley, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Booklist Review
Marine researcher and conservationist Hoyt (Weird Sea Creatures, 2013) introduces readers to the field of cetaceans with this eye-catching and appealing work. Beginning with an overview of theintertwined history of whales and humans, the book's following sections provide context on methods of research at sea and an introduction to the basic biology (anatomy, migration,social behavior, and more) of cetaceans. Thought-provoking questions peppered throughout the text ontopics such as invasive research tools and recent whale strandings will help to keep the reader engaged. There are complete chapters devoted to baleenwhales, toothed whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The appendix comprises approximatelya quarter of the book's content, with profiles of 90 recognized species of cetaceans, including information on their length, weight, habitat and range, diet, socialnotes, and conservation status. The attractive layout features dazzling photos on almost every page spread. The book concludes with a list of waysindividuals can get involved as citizen scientists, in addition to a list ofsources and resources and an index. An accessible volume for school and public libraries.--Ostergard, Maren Copyright 2018 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Whale researcher Hoyt (Creatures of the Deep) provides readers with a vivid and informative introduction to the big splashy world of cetaceans. The encyclopedia highlights intriguing cetacean details, such as anatomical and behavioral differences between species. Readers learn that baleen whales have two blowholes and toothed whales have one. Baleen whales emit low-pitched sounds, while the toothed whales emit ultrasonic calls as well as echolocation clicks, biological sonar used for navigation and foraging. The author examines the controversy regarding the slaughter of some whale species to near extinction and the growth of the international conservation movement over the past 50 years. Hoyt persuasively argues that there is an urgent need to globally protect whales and their environment. The encyclopedia also has lots of information about dolphins and porpoises, including fun photos of dolphins with their classic, human-like smiles. The final chapter includes illustrations and fact boxes for all 90 cetaceans. There is enough scientific detail to make this an excellent reference book, and the beautiful color photos will also give it plenty of appeal for casual readers. (Oct.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Review by Library Journal Review
Whales, dolphins, and porpoises make up the class of social mammals known as cetaceans. Hoyt (research fellow, Whale and Dolphin Conservation; Creatures of the Deep) draws on more than 40 years of scientific interactions with these intelligent and fascinating creatures. Stunning images from principal photographer Brandon Cole and others, along with depictions by marine mammal illustrator Uko Gorter, enliven the text. Hoyt writes movingly on life cycles, the future for these animals, and how readers can get involved in protecting them. Verdict For patrons of all ages.-Maggie Knapp, Trinity Valley Sch., Fort Worth, TX © Copyright 2017. 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.
