School Library Journal
Gr 3-7-The gentle giants of Southeastern coastal waterways are examined in this appealing title. Swinburne describes visits to a Florida manatee rescue and rehabilitation facility, Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo, Manatee Springs State Park, etc., and shares with readers much of what he learned about these fascinating creatures. The conversational text includes factual information, personal anecdotes, and quotes from the veterinarians and scientists who devote their time and research to studying this endangered species. Clear, colorful photographs and informative sidebars round out the presentation. An important addition to conservation units.-Christine Markley, Washington Elementary School, Barto, PA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
Around 3,000 West Indian manatees live in Florida's fresh- and saltwaters. These slow-moving, peaceful, vegetarian mammals are endangered by red tides and boats. Using many of his own photographs, an experienced writer/naturalist introduces these gentle giants to middle-grade readers through accounts of his own experiences: watching wild and captive manatees at Florida state parks, observing an autopsy at the Marine Mammal Pathology Laboratory and snorkeling with a dozen fourth-graders and the manatees of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. He notes the controversy over contact with wild animals and the competition between such creatures and boaters and developers. Sidebars include fast facts about the species and its legal protections. Swinburne concludes with suggestions for further reading, websites and an index. Up-to-date and informative, this will be a welcome addition to the shelf of information on endangered species in any library. (Nonfiction. 8-12)
From the Publisher
"Up-to-date and informative, this will be a welcome addition to the shelf of information on endangered species in any library." —Kirkus Reviews
"Swinburne weaves a great deal of information into his personal narrative, and his enthusiastic descriptions of his experiences with the animals are contagious and will draw children right into the subject, as will the many large color photos of manatees and researchers. . . . [An] obvious choice for middle-grade science units." —Booklist
