Dolphins (National Geographic Readers Series)

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Dolphins are mammals and even though they live in the oceans and rivers unlike most fish they give birth and nurse their young who are called calves. They use a system of echolocation to find food and other objects, they are playful and smart which is why one often sees them performing in water parks. They will play with each other and play in the wake of ships or ordinary waves. Their bodies are streamlined for high speed swimming and even though they breathe air, they are able to dive deeply and hold their breath for long periods of time. These animals are different from porpoises and an illustration clearly shows the distinguishing characteristics in snout and dorsal fins. Along the top of several pages are questions and answers which are really jokes or puns. The closing pages contain a picture glossary and a story with fill in the blanks to test reading retention. Those young readers with curiosity about nature will certainly find good information, excellent illustrations, and more in this "National Geographic Kids" reader written at level 2 for those who are reading independently, although even older readers will find plenty to enjoy in this book so it may be very useful in a hi low reading program. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot