Whales

The largest animal on the planet today is the blue whale. It is like a gentle giant swimming through the oceans, eating tiny sea creatures along the way. However, this type of whale-and many others-may disappear forever. Over-hunting and pollution are just some of the things affecting their chances of survival. This book describes these endangered marine mammals, explores what is going on, and what people can do to help before it is too late.

Children's Literature

Whales' interesting physical features, unique survival abilities, and interesting habits make them fascinating to many of us. Haney gives an overview of their bodies, eating habits, migration, social life, and communication. They live in all of the oceans, displaying different habits and interactions. Haney describes several of the endangered or threatened baleen whales, including the humpback, blue, and bowhead whales. Toothed whales have not been hunted as much, and, therefore, not as many are endangered. Haney briefly discusses the orca and sperm whales. Hunting for sport or profit, pollution caused by oil and chemicals, noise, and accidental trapping in nets have led to dwindling numbers of many species. Efforts to preserve the whale populations began in the 1930s; in 1946, 42 nations signed an international agreement to regulate whaling. In 1986, the International Whaling Commission banned all commercial whaling; that ban is still in place, but some countries, like Japan, are seeking to end it because of the importance of whaling to their economy. Like many others in the Marshall Cavendish "Endangered!" Series, ways for the reader to become involved are included. A glossary, sharp, close-up photographs, and an occasional sidebar help readers glean more information. Age-appropriate books and websites will be useful for those wanting to know more. Current and informative, this will appeal both to browsers and those doing research. Reviewer: Peg Glisson