Manatees

Children's Literature

The highlight of this nonfiction series book is the captivating, detailed photography that draws readers in and holds them. A variety of photos are used to show the four main types of manatees commonly found in just a few locations throughout the world. The text is informative, engaging and easy-to-read. Everything is covered, including manatee characteristics, information about the social life of manatees, mating rituals, hunting and traveling patterns and environmental issues directly affecting the manatee habitats. This, along with three other books, is part of the "Wild Marine Animals" series and as a set they would be a great resource for a mid-elementary unit study. They would also see much use as part of any library collection. 2001, Blackbirch Press, $17.95. Ages 7 to 10. Reviewer: Trina Heidt