Gorillas Up Close

Gr 4 Up—In this visually arresting work, Nippert-Eng bridges the gap between gorillas and humans. Using contemporary and relatable terms (for instance, "A gorilla family is often a blended family" and "Kwan tickles his children with his teeth the way a human dad might with his hands"), the book begins with commonalities between humans and gorillas before branching off to explore biological and emotional differences. This beautifully photographed examination of the gorilla troop living in captivity at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo brings their habitat alive with a variety of shots and perspectives. So many of the animals' facial expressions are captured throughout the book, driving home what the author also seeks to convey with words: gorillas are not so different from humans. Readers will enjoy seeing happiness, puzzlement, concentration, and more articulated on each face. Subject matter includes the expected (habitat, diet, and care for this endangered species) to the delightfully unanticipated (how to identify a gorilla and tips for watching and photographing). An extensive, usable index guides those readers doing homework or school projects.