THE SECRET LIFE OF WHALES, by Rena Ortega, Thames & Hudson, June 1, 2021, Hardcover, $16.95 (ages 6-8)
The Secret Life of Whales, by Rena Ortega, explores the massive mammals that roam our oceans and capture our imaginations.
Whales are ginormous mammals ― they are some of the biggest creatures to have ever lived on Earth. This illustrated children’s nonfiction book shares some of the most incredible truths about the many different kinds of whales. From where they migrate to how they care for their young, The Secret Life of Whales is full of facts. —Synopsis provided by Thames & Hudson
The Secret Life of Whales begins with an explanation of how why cetacean family (the group whales, dolphins and porpoises belong to) are mammals. It follows the evolution of whales from hoofed animal 55 million years ago to the streamlined, finned animals they are today. The book explains the difference between baleen and toothed whales before moving on to migration routes, behavior, feeding and families.
Extensive research is on display here with clear and concise text and beautifully detailed illustrations. It’s the type of book younger kids (3-5) would love just looking at and older ones (6-8) will enjoy examining in great detail.
