Elephant Talk

March 1, 2011

Gr 4-6-The complex behavior of wild elephants is introduced in a flowing narrative accompanied by full-color photographs, diagrams, and maps. Downer provides an overview of elephant evolution, places the creatures in their African and Asian contexts, and describes the lives of these intelligent social animals. Her narrative then focuses on the elephants' intricate verbal and nonverbal communication techniques, the physiology that enables them, and the studies and experiments scientists have conducted to learn more. The illustrations and clearly labeled diagrams and maps are well placed to amplify the text. A chapter on the elephant-human relationship contains interesting historical facts and important current information about the efforts of people to ensure the survival of elephants. Throughout this highly readable, informative title are profiles of individuals-an elephant keeper, a scout, researchers, and others-who work with these animals. The "Elephant Dictionary" will help future scientists understand an elephant's chirp, grunt, rev, rumble, and snort!-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 15, 2011
Grades 8-10 Packed with information, this colorful book provides fascinating glimpses of elephants as social animals and, in particular, as communicators. Along with more general information about African and Asian elephants and specific discussions of topics such as ivory poaching, it presents a wide variety of related topics and profiles many individuals working with elephants. One chapter traces the work of Katy Payne, whose groundbreaking research revealed that elephants use infrasound (frequencies lower than the human ear can hear) to communicate over long distances. Other intriguing sections discuss studies on elephant gestures as well as their senses of touch and smell. Well-chosen color photos appear on nearly every page, transporting readers from American zoos to African wildlife preserves to an Indian festival celebrating the birthday of the Hindu god Ganesh. The extensive back matter includes an authors note, a dictionary of elephant sounds, source notes, a selected bibliography, and recommended reading lists of books and websites. Although most effective when focused on its primary topic, this wide-ranging book is always engaging and informative.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)