Elephants! Strange and wonderful

In this rich addition to the Strange and Wonderful series, readers will learn amazing facts about elephants' bodies, communication, life cycle, diet, and social groups, as well as about different elephant species, environmental challenges they face, and their importance in various human cultures. The text does not shy away from sophisticated and specialized vocabulary such as allomother and incisors (Pringle clearly defines such words both in the text and in a glossary). Pringle particularly emphasizes the important roles played by elephant families in everything from migration to raising young to self-defense. Each family is led by an older matriarch and consists of a group of adult females and their young, including both males and females. Unusually for new books with this level of factual information, each spread includes illustrations, rather than photographs. These soft, rich illustrations will likely draw readers in and can help them build a closer connection with the elephants shown. An excellent resource for reports, or for curious readers ready to delve into information about these gigantic and extraordinary animals.

Gr 4--7--The elephant has been a powerful and important figure in human culture for centuries. Depicted on the walls of caves in prehistoric times, used in combat, and a mainstay of zoos around the world, elephants are universally recognizable and revered. The three remaining species of elephants live in Africa and Asia, and while they look similar, there are marked differences among them. No matter what, though, elephants have unique ways of communicating with one another, build strong family bonds, and are at great risk of disappearing because of human interference. This nonfiction picture book is packed with facts and information about elephants, including their physical attributes and their importance in global human society. Blocks of text appear on each page, making this book best suited to older elementary school and middle school-age readers. Though the amount of text may initially feel overwhelming, manageable sentences and familiar vocabulary help readers navigate the wealth of information presented. Potentially new terminology stands out in bold font and is defined in a glossary at the end of the book, where further resources are also listed. Watercolor and pencil illustrations depict elephants in a variety of settings as they live, work, and play together throughout their lives. The blend of images and text in this book enhances readers' understanding of the elephant and its complex existence. VERDICT This is an important and detailed inclusion for any library collection emphasizing conservation and the study of elephants.--Mary Lanni, formerly at Denver P.L.