Elephant Talk

Gr 4—6—The complex behavior of wild elephants is introduced in a flowing narrative accompanied by full-color photographs, diagrams, and maps. Downer provides an overview of elephant evolution, places the creatures in their African and Asian contexts, and describes the lives of these intelligent social animals. Her narrative then focuses on the elephants' intricate verbal and nonverbal communication techniques, the physiology that enables them, and the studies and experiments scientists have conducted to learn more. The illustrations and clearly labeled diagrams and maps are well placed to amplify the text. A chapter on the elephant-human relationship contains interesting historical facts and important current information about the efforts of people to ensure the survival of elephants. Throughout this highly readable, informative title are profiles of individuals—an elephant keeper, a scout, researchers, and others—who work with these animals. The "Elephant Dictionary" will help future scientists understand an elephant's chirp, grunt, rev, rumble, and snort!—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA