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The Ultimate Book of Whales: Up-Close Encounters with Earth’s Mightiest Mammals

National Geographic Kids. (Ultimate Books). Jun. 2025. 192p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781426375262. Gr 3 Up
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Gr 3 Up–How are whales different from dolphins? Who decides how whales are named? Everything kids have ever wanted to know about whales can be found in this vibrant, exciting volume. The “Face to Face” feature offers a unique look into the work of wildlife photographer Skeery. He explains the slow process of finding whales and building trust over time in order to get close enough to capture images of the mammals in their natural habitats. Bold photos will entrance young learners while they glide through the pages of captivating images and amazing facts. Incredible close-up shots of whale teeth and baleen will have readers yearning for more. Simple yet thorough explanations of how whales use their senses reveal decades of scientific research. Interspersed throughout are spreads of additional information about dolphins and porpoises. “Finned Facts” highlights interesting tidbits with dynamic graphics and fonts. Insets with clear explanations and vocabulary aids help readers understand some of the complex mysteries of whale life. The history of whale hunting is sensitively included. Suggestions for protecting whales and other maritime life are also discussed with clear and concise language.
VERDICT Young biologists, thrilled with the photos and fun facts, will not want to put this one down. An excellent choice for browsing and research.

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