The purpose of this book was to inform readers about whales. The book contains information regarding different characteristics and traits of whales. I wanted to enjoy this book but found myself disliking it.
I disliked the writing of this book and was unable to feel excited or enthusiastic. I feel the author was very knowledgable about the topic but was unable to effectively communicate her wealth of information to her audience. For example the text reads, "Mammal babies drink milk from their mothers. Whale babies are called calves". I feel the author could have employed more descriptive text to engage and excite the reader.
The pictures in this book were real life photographs of whales. I enjoyed how the photographs directly correlated with the information of that page. For example, the page containing information regarding how whales utilize their blowholes is as accompanied by a photograph of a whale blowing water and air through it's blowhole. ( )

This is a great book that explains different facts about the largest mammal in the world, whales. It talks about what whales eat, how big they grow, and how we can keep them safe from extinction. The pictures in the book are great because they are actual photographs of these animals. I would use this book as a read aloud because it is the perfect length with great pictures that will spark a child’s interest. ( )

Straightforward book for children about whales that is part of the "I can Read" series. It is best suited to children in the early primary grades, but does provide a lot of facts for its limited size. There is a nice selection of color photos that help to illustrate the different kinds of whales and pronunciation guides are provided for the particularly difficult terms. Photos include pictures of whales breeching the surface, but there are also underwater shots. The book is about the width of a trade paperback which is a nice fit for the smaller hands of children. This book could be used in a lesson about environmentalism, mammals, or oceans as it crosses into different focuses while remaining centered around whales. It could be a good jumping off point to talk about other mammals that live in water like the dolphin (actually a toothed whale!), sea lions, etc and to make the point that not everything that lives in water is a fish. ( )

This informational book supplies readers with tons of facts about various types of whales. The pictures are real and not animated so the reader can actually see what the whales look like. This book gives information on different whales, such as length, eating habits, family size, and that whales are mammals.

My children love this book, especially my oldest. He is infactuated with whales and sharks, so this was one of his favorites. I learned some new information about whales while reading this book to my children. It is amazing that whales are able to have a live birth and nurse their babies.

As an extension to this book I would have the children create a collage about the whale of their choice. I would also do a compare/contrast of whales and another water animal, for instance, sharks. I would also like the children to do a lifecycle of a whale. ( )

How big are whales? How do whales breathe in the ocean? Do they live alone or in groups? Why are so many whales in danger? Read and find out in this Level Two I Can Read that is perfect for beginning readers and animal lovers who can read on their own but still need a little help. Filled with breathtaking, full-color photographs of whales in their natural environment from the Wildlife Conservation Society, this book will fascinate kids with incredible facts about how whales eat, hunt, and even communicate.