Harp Seals

School Library Journal

Gr 4-5-- This series entry features excellent quality full-color photographs, but suffers from a poorly organized, free-form text that lacks a natural flow or grouping of information. Two different Latin names by which the species is known are given, and the fact that there is some conjecture in the scientific community as to which terminology should be used is mentioned, but the basis of the disagreement is never explained. Language is used carelessly throughout. The harp seals' markings, the distinctive shape of which gives the species its common name, are referred to as ``outstanding.'' Because the seals migrate, they are said to have a migratory ``lifestyle.'' Animals live, they don't have lifestyles. Explanations do not always follow much logic. Seals are described as swimming on their backs sometimes just for fun and relaxation, and as being social and nosy animals because their noses are sensitive. New terms are highlighted in bold when introduced in the text, but are not always defined until the one-page glossary. The crisp, clear, bright photographs do not offset the book's problems. --Frances E. Millhouser, Reston Regional Library, VA