Gorillas Up Close

A portrait gallery of a small group of zoo gorillas, with a sociologist's observations on each one's distinctive behavior and personality.The photos really steal the show. There are standard views of impossibly cute baby gorillas, of busy zoo workers, and of the enclosures at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo (where most of the primate cast resides). In addition and perhaps more importantly, a series of portraits--including "formal" head shots--capture not just individual facial features (as diverse as any group of humans) and an amazing range of expressions, but also a powerful, dignified presence in each of about two dozen primates. It's good that the pictures are memorable, because with but rare exceptions, Nippert-Eng chooses to skip over the sorts of concrete details and incidents that would enliven her narrative in favor of unenlightening generalities: "Rollie spends a great deal of her time managing the troop's social dynamics...." Mothers and offspring are separated due to unspecified "medical complications" or "serious medical reasons." "It can be hard to predict what gorillas will do with what they find." Readers left with questions (what are "gorilla biscuits" made of? Why are so many of the profiled apes' siblings listed as "deceased"?) may find at least some answers in the extensive sets of annotated print, web, and film resources at the end. The focus on gorillas in captivity rather than in the wild gives this an unusual slant, but the visuals will have more impact on young audiences than the narrative. (Nonfiction. 11-14) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

August 1, 2016

Gr 4 Up-In this visually arresting work, Nippert-Eng bridges the gap between gorillas and humans. Using contemporary and relatable terms (for instance, "A gorilla family is often a blended family" and "Kwan tickles his children with his teeth the way a human dad might with his hands"), the book begins with commonalities between humans and gorillas before branching off to explore biological and emotional differences. This beautifully photographed examination of the gorilla troop living in captivity at Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo brings their habitat alive with a variety of shots and perspectives. So many of the animals' facial expressions are captured throughout the book, driving home what the author also seeks to convey with words: gorillas are not so different from humans. Readers will enjoy seeing happiness, puzzlement, concentration, and more articulated on each face. Subject matter includes the expected (habitat, diet, and care for this endangered species) to the delightfully unanticipated (how to identify a gorilla and tips for watching and photographing). An extensive, usable index guides those readers doing homework or school projects. VERDICT The latest in engaging animal nonfiction for upper elementary and middle school collections. Highly recommended.-Chelsea Woods, New Brunswick Free Public Library, NJ

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