Katherine Orr
This volume of the six book 'Discover Hawaii’s' nature series introduces young readers to the marine mammals that inhabit Hawaii’s surrounding seas. Many species of whales and dolphins live in the tropical Pacific Ocean; about ten of these are seen in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. Although these ten are identified and illustrated, Discover Hawaii’s Marine Mammals focuses on the three species that Hawaii is well known for: the humpback whale, the spinner dolphin, and the Hawaiian monk seal. Young readers learn about special features that make whales and dolphins well designed for a life at sea (such as breathing from a blowhole on top of the head, and using sonar to locate food). They learn about unusual behaviors like the humpback whale’s 'song,' the spinner dolphin’s’ ability to keep track of its schoolmates even when they’re spread out across miles of open ocean, and the monk seal’s need to rest on the beach in solitude, undisturbed. Readers learn about dangers imposed by human activities that now threaten the future of these marine mammals, along with some 'Dos and Don’ts' that we can do to help them. Text and colorful illustrations are equally balanced throughout the book. Includes Table of Contents, Glossary and Index.
