Dolphins

Children's Literature

Young readers who want to research dolphins should take advantage of this colorfully illustrated book, part of the "AnimalWays" series. Right away in the first chapter, we learn that the ancient Greeks called dolphins "smooth and gentle creatures" and declared it a crime to harm one; killing one was considered murder. Beginning with exactly what a dolphin is—as opposed to whales, porpoises, etc.—the author goes on to discuss dolphin intelligence, communication and adaptations. Dolphin habitats include fresh and salt water—did you know that there are river dolphins? The chapter "Dolphins Up Close" describes many of the twenty-seven ocean dolphins, five river dolphins and five porpoise species. Particularly interesting is the chapter on dolphin behavior which most closely resembles shark behavior—dolphins are aggressive, fierce predators! Finally, Greenberg discusses human interaction (mostly training) with these creatures, what a dolphin's life is like, and the future of these cetaceans on the planet. The book includes a glossary, species checklist. web sites and bibliography for further research and index. 2004, Benchmark Books, Ages 12 to adult.
— Judy Crowder