Manatees

Froggy's pick of the week Saving Manatees. It is a "librarian pick" that I grabbed without exploring.  It is not a storybook as I thought but instead an in-depth look at the life and struggles of the manatee. It is written is a wonderfully captivating conversational tone and includes factual information, personal anecdotes, and quotes from the veterinarians and scientists who devote their time and research to studying this endangered species.

This is not your standard picture book and it is not written for little kids. Schoolbook List recommends it for Middle School.  All that being the case Froggy picked it and loves it.  This is the kind of living books that are the way I want Froggy to learn Science and a huge part of why we chose the Charlotte Mason style. We have read it multiple times this week.  It is a slow read as we discuss the information in it.  Maybe I am bias from growing up in Florida and my love for manatees influenced her.  But if a 5 year old can enjoy and learn from this book then anyone up and through Middle School can.

The scientist in me was thrilled with the accuracy and even handness of the information presented.  Many of the books written for school age children focus so heavily on boat collisions to the exclusion of all other threats to the manatee.  This book includes in detail cold-stress which is the most serious and concerning threat.  This book includes accurate modern scientific information. presented in a readable engaging manner. Swinburne has also written Black Bear and Once A Wolf  which appear to be done in a similar style and are on my list to check out.