The Secret World of Whales

Gr 4—6—Siebert shares fascinating tales about whales in folklore, literature, and history and then focuses on the incredible value of these loving, intelligent mammals with an interesting form of communication. He discusses the similarities between the brains of whales and humans as well as other scientific research. The effect on whales of human contact is a theme. For example, sonar and underwater air guns (to drill through the ocean floor) can cause whales to have internal bleeding and become stranded on beaches. Colorful illustrations outlined in ink support the fascinating, often poetic text. Black-and-white and color photos are included as well, some so clear that readers can even see the veins in the hand of a woman touching a baby gray whale.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA