KILLER WHALES
by Seymour Simon

1. Bibliography:
Simon, Seymour. KILLER WHALES. 2002. New York: SeaStar Books. ISBN 157171414

“Seymour Simon is a former teacher and the author of more than 200 science books for children, more than half of which have been named Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children by the National Science Teachers Association.”(SeaStar)

2. Plot Summary
KILLER WHALES is a factual information book of the Killer Whale and their physical characteristics, eating habits, hunting skills and their habitat. The book provides information and is descriptive of the Killer Whale. The reader unveils the unknown as to the whale’s blowhole, how they detect sound, the birth of a whale, hunting skills and their diet. Information is also provided on the size of the whale and how to distinguish between the males and the females by their dorsal fins.

3. Critical Analysis
The book is a See More book for PK - 1st grade children. This factual book provides information on the Killer Whale and it is very informative for the young reader through adult. It is well written with easy to read text that is limited to a few lines per page.
The writing is informative and interesting. It will capture the reader’s attention and encourage them to seek out more books on killer whales or those written by the author. The vocabulary is suitable for young children and the author uses comparative text to give the young reader a visual image of the topic.

The book contains significant facts pertaining to the Orca such as:
“An orca looks like a large fish.
But it is not a fish.
It does not have gills
to help it breathe.
Instead, an orca breathes through
a blowhole on the top of its head.
And it has lungs like dogs,
cats, and people.
An orca can hold its breath
for ten minutes or longer.”

The photograph zooms in on the head of an orca to show the reader the blowhole it is describing.

The illustrations photographs of Killer Whales are creative and they capture the attention of the reader as they read the text that flows well with the photographs. A close up of the whale with mouth wide open states:
“Orcas have sharp, three-inch-long
teeth for hunting.
Like wolves, orcas hunt in packs.
They circle and herd their prey
before attacking.

4. Review Excerpts

From Publishers Weekly
With brief, accessible text, engaging topics and a perforated page of collectible cards Seymour Simon's See More Reader series will rope in even the most reluctant readers. Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal
Grade 1-3-Simple sentences with easy-to-read phrases present an overview of these topics for beginning readers. Information is presented in just two or three sentences per page, and the large font size will make the books attractive to emerging readers. Simon's writing is clear and straightforward. Although there is no glossary, the author uses good examples to help readers understand terms. The books include a number of stunning, colorful, glossy photos that are sure to pique young readers' interest. These solid choices will appeal on several levels.
Cathie E. Bashaw, Somers Library, NY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Connections: Read the story to the children. Discuss the story and have the children create a picture in their journal of a fact mentioned in the book. Seek out additional SeeMore books by Mr. Simon and also introduce to the children books by authors on the same topic.

Additional suggested SeeMore books by Seymour Simon include:
KNIGHTS AND CASTLES
GIANT SNAKES
PLANETS
VOLCANOES
Also look for these books:
ANIMALS NOBODY LOVES
OUT OF SIGHT: PICTURES OF HIDDEN WORLDS