Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Graphite-hued cetaceans swim through the pages of this fact-filled guide. Antinori's drawings expertly combine telling detail and unaffected charm to show whales from a variety of perspectives as the book meanders through subjects such as how whales evolved; the difference between baleen and toothed whales; sizes of different whale breeds; behaviors such as feeding and migration; and even the distinguishing patterns of whale blows. A section on whales and humans chiefly focuses on hunting, and Antinori notes "there are indigenous populations who continue to practice whaling using traditional methods... whale hunting is necessary for their survival." The entire scope of human impact on whales, though, through overhunting and environmental degradation, is omitted. Details on 10 whale species, a bibliography, an index, and a list of sites for whale-watching close this appealing, if incomplete, introduction to some of Earth's most marvelous mammals. Ages 8-12. (May) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-Whale lovers, rejoice! Antinori has composed a beautifully crafted, must-see book for baleinophiles of all ages. Originally published in Italian, it has been translated for an English-speaking audience. Unlike many nonfiction texts, this book presents information in the form of a conversation, answering questions that young readers are likely to have in a way that is accessible while still utilizing correct scientific terminology. Each page features intricate, hand-drawn illustrations of whales and other sea creatures accompanied by select text that, though brief, amplifies readers' understanding of these giants of the sea. From what whales eat to the size of their "blow" to how to tell them apart from one another, a vast array of facts are tidily placed on each page. In addition to the well-crafted text and imagery, the book itself is a delight to hold. A hefty volume, slightly oversized in length and width, the book feels as robust as its content. The matte finish of the dust jacket and thick pages add to its prestigious impression. Overall, this book is well constructed and will stand the test of time. VERDICT Whale lovers will not be able to get enough of this text in one reading. A high-class addition to any elementary school nonfiction library.-Mary Lanni, Denver Public Library © Copyright 2019. 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 Kirkus Book Review
Conversational text and pencil illustrations introduce the largest members of the cetacean order.The first page of dryly humorous text faces a full-page illustration that is immediately engaging: A fisherman in a small boat has unwittingly cast his line near an enormous humpback whale, which seems to be deciding whether a playful tug is warranted. The author/illustrator tells readers he knows they are already whale lovers, but he wants to tell them more, because "I'm very chatty." The layout is exceptional, with blue lettering, blue wavelike patterns under each page number, and thoughtful placement of the myriad, masterful illustrations. Some of the illustrated explanations make good use of common objects to explain whale anatomy, as in a colander for baleen and an accordion for ventral pleats. There is also great fun in size comparisons of whales with other things, including a train carriage and Tyrannosaurus rex. The text falls short in its editing; there are errors and inconsistencies in word usage, taxonomy, and spelling. Its greatest failing is in its section "And Humans?" It mentions the 1986 international whaling ban, adding that there are "some who try to get around those rules." The next paragraph tells about Indigenous peoples who still use traditional whaling for their survivalbut doesn't mention that their actions are lawful. Readers may well draw the wrong conclusion here, leading to a whale of a missed teaching opportunity.Appealing but unpolished. (bibliography, whale-watching sites, index) (Nonfiction. 8-12) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
