Grade 1-3-- A utilitarian introduction to and description of whales. Although the illustrations are very textbookish, they are accurate and appealing. Much basic information about whales is given--types, the fact that they are mammals and not fish and what that means, how they care for their young and defend each other against predators, how they migrate, how they sleep in the water, and how and what they eat. Comparisons with familiar things bring the whales into the everyday world. Sentences are brief and easy to read. A brief historical look at whaling is also included. Useful if not inspired.