Seymour Simon has been a leading author in science-related books for children for a number of years. Collaborating here with the Smithsonian, Simon presents fascinating facts about these playful mammals and describes the difference between dolphins, porpoises, and whales in terms that children can understand. Without being didactic, he discusses the physiology and habits of dolphins, as well as the greatest threat to the species humans. Accompanied by full-page color photographs of dolphins, the text is presented with considerable white space in the margins. The book includes a brief glossary, an index, and links to the Smithsonian and the Dolphin Institute Web sites. Children, teachers, and librarians alike will be drawn to this clear, colorful book.--Petty, J. B. Copyright 2009 Booklist

Gr 2-5-Partnering with the Smithsonian Institution, the noted science writer captures readers' attention immediately as he describes the "clever, curious, and mischievous" dolphins that seem to be unafraid of humans. He admits that there really isn't that much difference between dolphins and porpoises and reveals the way to tell them apart-"dolphins often swim on or just below the surface, riding the bow waves of fishing boats." The brightly colored photographs take up one side (or more) of each spread, and the accompanying text balances descriptions of the characteristics of the animals with the threats posed to their survival in today's world. A half-page glossary defines a range of terms, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 that complements the environmental information included in the text. The index leads readers to discussions of such terms as "beached dolphin," "red tide," "pollution," and "commercial fishing," as well as "aunties" (female dolphins other than the mother who help raise babies), "dominance," and "prey." Simply outstanding.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

(Primary) Cute, smart, and approachable, dolphins have long fascinated humans. Simon draws readers beyond this initial captivation into deeper discussions of dolphin species both familiar (bottlenose and orca) and rare (Amazon River dolphin), describing their life cycles and social organization. As always, he guides readers through intricate topics (for example, the potentially confusing dolphin-porpoise-whale terminology) with remarkable clarity. Of particular interest are explanations of the flexible ways in which dolphins use sound both to communicate and to locate food. Although there are no captions for the clear, full-page color photographs, they are generally well-matched to the text on the facing pages and capture the behaviors that make dolphins so appealing to humans. The book ends with a note on conservation (including solid tips that readers can follow to help respect and protect dolphins), a glossary, and an index. From HORN BOOK, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.