Whales by Gail Gibbons

1. Bibliography
Gibbons, Gail. 1991. WHALES. New York: Holiday House. ISBN 0823409006

2. Plot Summary
In this well written book, Gibbons gives details of whales including what they look like, and how and where they live. Readers will also discover what they sound like, and how and why they have been hunted by humans. This book will give a great introduction to facts of whales and it includes attractive illustrations to enhance the text.

3. Critical Analysis
In this simple to read book about whales, young readers can learn many facts about these great animals. Gibbons talks about two different whales that includes the tooted and baleen showing readers the difference between their physiology and behavior. From being "the world’s largest animals" to "they don’t chew their food," the facts presented throughout will fascinate its viewers. The information provided is also done in a well designed script that makes for easy understanding.

To add to the book, illustrations are provided in bright watercolors that accent the pages. Throughout readers can find drawings that are labeled, helpful hints on how to pronounce words, and interesting facts. A reader can enjoy the whole book at once, or just flip through and read the extra facts presented all over the illustrations. To close the book, Gibbons concludes with whale tales, for readers to learn other fascinating facts like “a blue whale is so big that 50 people could stand on its tongue”.

4. Review Excerpts
HORN BOOK: “An attractive, well-designed volume that provides much information in an accessible format.”
BOOKLIST: “The simple, straightforward, though choppy text is enhanced by nicely balanced, captioned paintings that emphasize clean, clear figures against aqueous backgrounds in watercolor."

5. Connections
*This book would be a great to use for beginning readers or as a read-aloud.
*Other books by Gail Gibbons discussing different animals
BATS. ISBN 0823416372
CATS. ISBN 0823414108
DOGS. ISBN 0823413357
FROGS. ISBN 0823411346
PIGS. ISBN 0823415546