SUPER SWIMMERS

Whales, dolphins and porpoises, seals, sea lions and walruses, sea otters, polar bears, manatees and dugongs are the marine mammals described in this attractive offering. Wynne, a professional science illustrator, enlivens the clear, short descriptions of the different species and explanations of how they swim, dive, breathe, eat and survive in a very different medium, with engaging and well-labeled drawings. The palette of watery blues, grays and occasional brownish-reds supports the subject well. The information is accurate, although not documented, and well-organized both for research and for browsing. Illustrations of some creatures who share the ocean environment decorate the verso, and a few freshwater swimmers are described at the end. A final page showing a group of children watching sea mammals from the bow of a boat connects the topic to the intended reader. There is also a short glossary. An appealing and useful purchase. (Nonfiction. 6-10)