Secret Life of Whales

Whales are the largest mammals on Earth. They are some of the largest animals to have ever lived. They are gentle giants that are something of a mystery to most children because they live in the sea and so are not easily accessible. This beautiful non-fiction book is oversized (11.3 x 12.8 inches) to properly give youngsters an idea of the enormity of the subject creatures.

Author and illustrator Rena Ortega begins with scientific information about the different kinds of whales and their fascinating evolution from hoofed animals called Mesonychids. Ortega has spreads that show the many species of both baleen whales and toothed whales as well as a spread comparing the sizes of some whales with other sea creatures and even a human diver. She also covers migration, their different fins, whale behavior, how they sleep, how they feed, the whale song, their family and social structure, the dangers they face these days, and more.

The chunks of text inserted around the stunning illustrations are well written and well researched, and they are just enough to whet the appetites of youngsters and send them researching and learning. This is a beautiful book that deserves to be widely read.