Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses (First Book)

Grade 3-4-- This update of the 1980 edition has larger print, fewer details, crisper full-color photographs, and is intended for a younger audience than the earlier version. The chapter numbers are seals twisted into numerical shapes, and the page numbers are shown surrounded by stylized waves. Unfortunately, there are too few details and specifics to inform young readers. The organization is not as clear as in the previous title; the learning abilities of the sea lions are briefly described in the chapter that gives an overview of each type of pinniped and then again in the section on scientists' studies and learning experiments. Nevertheless, the description of pinnipeds' adaptation to their habitats is excellent, and comparing their biggest possible size of 7,000 pounds to the weight of two minivans is well done. The illustrations are superb. Especially striking is the double-page spread of a crowd of the social walruses, their ivory tusks glinting in the light. New environmental information is included. --Frances E. Millhouser, Reston Regional Library, VA
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.