Granny's Clan

December 1, 2012
Grades K-3 Environmentalist Hodson and painter Jones team up in this title that follows a 100-year-old orca and her superpod through the basics of orca life, from breathing and swimming to family structure, feeding habits, and communication. Along the way, Hodson works in plenty of details about the individuating markings of each orca, communication between humans and orcas, and changing attitudes toward orca preservation. The graceful pastel illustrations extend the information about orcas and their ecosystem, and although this is a fact-filled nonfiction title, Hodson's storytelling is skillful and far from dry. A two-page illustrated appendix gives further information about many references, and like the central text, has an inviting rhythm for the audience. A solid research choice for the early grades, this picture book also offers an evocative experience for readers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)