Fish Facts

by Geoff Swinney, Janeen Mason (Illustrator)

Overview

This book is an entertaining guide for children to fish of all shapes, sizes, and habits. It provides all the basic information on classes, orders, and genera of fish as well as their breeding, feeding, and mating habits. This vibrantly illustrated book is a great addition to any classroom and gift for anyone who wants to learn about the creatures that inhabit much of our world.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781589809086
Publisher:	Pelican Publishing Company, Incorporated
Publication date:	07/07/2011
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.20(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

About the Author

Janeen Mason's work has appeared in art galleries, on puzzles and clay tiles, and as fine-art prints. She is a member of the Florida Council on Arts and Culture and the Children's Book Council. She also served as the illustrator coordinator for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators in Florida. An exhibit featuring her illustrations traveled throughout museums in Florida and was even displayed in the Capitol Building in Tallahassee. In addition to speaking at schools, Mason appeared on the PBS program NOVA scienceNOW and remains a popular guest on radio. Her accolades include a Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Award, the U.S. Maritime Literature Award, and the National Award for Excellence in Communities.

Editorial Reviews

This comprehensive collection of facts about fish is sure to educate as well as fascinate.

There is no doubt that readers will learn something new, whether they sit down and devour the entire offering or pick and choose from among the tremendous array of topics from the index (there is no table of contents). From fish that produce light and fish that are capable of powered flight, to fish that can change sex and fish that carry their offspring in their mouths, this is chock full of both the amazing and the weird. But the majority of the book is meant to inform readers about fish—their classes, movement, eating habits, adaptations, birth and sexual development and evolution. A "Food for Thought" section seems out of place among all the fish facts, but provides some history and information about the human impact on fish populations. While the rather advanced vocabulary and biology that Swinney delves into mark this as a book for older readers, younger ones can certainly enjoy both the illustrations and the occasional factoid. Mason's artwork is both painstakingly detailed and realistically colored, even down to the muting effect that water has on colors. Few books come close to this one's inclusiveness. A list of questions at the end serves cleverly as an index.

A delight for future ichthyologists and a thorough resource for research projects. (Nonfiction. 10 & up)

Kirkus Reviews