Whales to the Rescue

October 1, 2022
A look at the many ways whales serve as "ecosystem engineers," even on a planetary scale. With the riveting declaration that "whale poop makes the world go round!" Mason launches an effervescent study of how whales affect oceanic food webs--not only by participating in "a massive poop pump" that feeds krill and phytoplankton on the surface, but by taking significant quantities of climate-changing carbon out of the air to store it in their bodies while alive and "export" it to the bottom of the ocean when dead. Along with overviews of food chains, the carbon cycle, and the greenhouse effect, plus a case study involving the interdependence of baleen whales and krill in the Antarctic and gobsmacking facts (fin whales pee 257 gallons a day! One mouthful of krill provides a blue whale with roughly the same calories as 83,000 peanuts!), the author tucks in basic information about whale types and behavior on the way to a compelling conclusion that no, they aren't going to accomplish a "rescue" alone...but they "have a role to play, and so do we." Smith mixes helpful schematics with views of whales of various species gracefully feeding, breaching, or, yes, pooping. In rare glimpses, tiny humans, when they're not clad in wetsuits, appear diverse. (This book was reviewed digitally.) Makes a whale of a case for the importance of cetaceans. (glossary, organizations, suggested eco-activities, index) (Informational picture book. 9-11)

COPYRIGHT(2022) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

September 23, 2022

Gr 2-5-Mason introduces a book chock-full of fascinating, fun facts about whales. There are 90 known species of whale, with the blue whale the largest animal that has ever lived on the planet (its tongue weighs as much as two hippos). In well-organized chapters, students learn about whales around the world, food webs, migration, and more. The "Poop Pump" chapter will hold special appeal for young readers. Colorful, well-drawn illustrations help bring the facts to life. As part of the "Ecosystem Guardians" series, this title highlights how the animal is also important to human survival. The ocean's 12,000 sperm whales remove 200,000 tons of carbon from the atmosphere yearly-as much as 70,000 cars! A comprehensive index, glossary, clear diagrams, and additional resources round out this title. VERDICT Sure to be a welcome addition to school libraries and classrooms, this is an appealing and well-written title on a popular subject.-Carole Phillips

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.