Endangered Ocean Animals

ISBN 0865055432 - We're trying, these days, to raise better people. Recycling is finally getting real attention, climate change is on the table, and recently "giving back" has become a popular phrase - all music to my ears. This seems like a great time for this book and the rest of the Endangered Animals Series. The importance of the ocean to all life on earth is explained before the book delves into specific endangered animals that live in those oceans. The animals include the humpback whale, the Steller and California sea lions, harbor and elephant seals, the manatee, dolphins, sharks, the southern sea otter and the brown pelican. Each animal is covered on a two-page spread, with one page worth of text and one page worth of photos. The text tells a little about the animals, explains what specifically has caused the animal to become endangered and a little on the future outlook for them. The book ends with some specific things people, even children, can do to help, a glossary and an index. Copyrighted 1993, the books in this series may not be perfectly up-to-date, since endangered lists can change, but the idea remains the same: there are animals that are dying out or are in danger of dying out and people need to do whatever they can to prevent that from happening. Author and photographer Dave Taylor does a fantastic job of making this information easy to read and not too overwhelming for young children, as well as the intended audience of 9 to 12 year olds. The photos are full color and absolutely beautiful, a nice touch that begs the question - can you look at these animals and not want them to survive? Whether you believe in man's effect on climate change or not, taking care of our planet and all the creatures on it is certainly a worthwhile thing to teach your children. The series also includes Endangered Forest Animals (Endangered Animals Series), Endangered Mountain Animals (Endangered Animals Series), Endangered Desert Animals (The Endangered Animals Series), Endangered Savannah Animals (The Endangered Animals Series), Endangered Island Animals (The Endangered Animals Series), Endangered Grassland Animals (Endangered Animals Series) and Endangered Wetland Animals (Endangered Animals Series). - AnnaLovesBooks