Monday, May 12, 2014

A Baby Elephant in the Wild by Caitlin O'Connell -- ADVISABLE

O'Connell, Caitlin A Baby Elephant in the Wild, photographed by Caitlin O'Connell and Timothy Rodwell. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2014. $16.99. Content: PG

This book describes the early life of Liza, a baby elephant born in the scrub desert of Namibia. Through photographs and descriptions of her life, readers lean about such things as how elephants protect their babies, how they eat and drink, how they keep themselves cool, and how they are threatened by humans. Includes a "Did You Know?" section at the back with further information.

Although a more straightforward, traditional nonfiction approach may provide more information for reports or those who are simply curious about the lives of elephants, this would make an interesting supplementation, and having a specific elephant to study helps students develop empathy for their subject matter. Due to its lack of bolded text, sidebars, or glossary to explain concepts such as "matriarchs" and "poachers," some adult assistance may be necessary for full comprehension.

EL -- ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Caryn

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