Product Description
Astro is a stellar Steller sea lion! Only a few days old when found orphaned, he is cared for and raised at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. When big enough to be released to the wild where he needs to be, he has other plans! Just like a lost dog finding his way home, Astro keeps swimming back towards the Center, crossing miles of open ocean water to do so. After several attempts, people realize that Astro is too accustomed to humans and will just keep coming back. Based on real events, readers follow Astro through some of the travels that have taken him across the U.S. to his current home at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. The For Creative Minds educational section includes: Steller Sea Lions, Steller Sea Lions Threatened and Endangered, Where in the World? (A Map Activity), Steller Sea Lion Life Cycle, Sea Lion or Seal? (Whats the Same? Whats Different?). Additional Teaching Activities and Interactive Quizzes are available for free on the Sylvan Dell Publishing website. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Review from www.firrkids.com
Steller Sea Lions are a threatened species that live in the northern Pacific.Stellar means outstanding, immense or a star performer. Astro fits both of these definitions, so he's actually a stellar Steller sea lion! This is a very real story about a sea lion rescue that has been beautifully illustrated and adapted into a picture book.

A scientist found young Astro, separated from his mother, on an island off the coast of California. He was much too young (he still had part of his umbilical cord attached) to survive alone, so he became a pampered guest at The Marine Mammal Center. There he was nursed back to health, literally, fed from a baby bottle filled with a herring/salmon oil/whipped cream smoothie.I know, blech, but not for a sea lion.

When Astro reached ten months of age, he was returned to the ocean. Unfortunately, nobody asked Astro's thoughts about this plan. After each release, of which there were several, he doggedly managed to find his way back to the Center. His friends there were terribly sad when they realized he had been rescued too young and had grown attached to humans. Because Astro would be unable to adapt to the wild, a permanent home was found for him at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut.

The illustrations in this book are so very realistic that I had to study them quite closely before I was sure they really were drawings and not photographs. I know that seems dim-witted, but they really are that good.This is a wonderful story of how humans go the distance to help animals and ensure they are (or in this case, are not) able to survive on their own after human intervention.The last four pages of the book comprise an educational section with great technical information on Steller Sea Lions, including maps and a life cycle.I like that this an interesting story that is wrapped up with some useful methods of teaching children more about this species - very useful!

Astro: The Steller Sear Lion (Hardcover)
So right up front I have to say that the reason I even picked up Astro: The Steller Sea Lion (Steller is a kind of sea lion) is because I am in love with Shennen Bersani's art.She has illustrated many children's books and I confess, I seek out her work because it is bright and engaging and real.

That being said, I also love the story that Bersani's true-to-life drawings capture. Astro is a few days old when he is found hungry and alone on a California island. He's taken to The Marine Mammal Center, where he is loved and cared for.When he is big and well enough his caretakers attempt to return him to the ocean.

But Astro wants to stay with them. They try again and again but Astro is determined.

The best part of this story? It's all true. Astro, the real stellar sea lion lives at the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut.

This is an ideal book for young children not only because it shows in pictures and words the power of research and medical intervention but also the power of love.

A colorful appendix gives kids information about the life cycle of the Steller sea lion and shows how to tell the difference between a sea lion and a seal.

An excellent book all around!!

This is an amazing story of Astro who preferred Sausalito instead of surfing the Pacific Waves!
A young sea lion cautiously peered through the grate of a pink dog crate secured into the back of a pickup.Pacific waves gently lapped the rocky shores of the California coast.Gulls flew overhead as a pelican closely watched as the truck began its journey to The Marine Mammal Center.Astro, an orphaned Steller sea lion who weighed a mere 39 pounds, would soon find himself nestled into a new volunteer human family.Droplets of his "special smoothie made from ground herring, salmon oil, and whipping cream," from the nipple of a baby bottle dribbled from his mouth.His friends nurtured Astro until it was time to head back into the wild with other Steller sea lions in the ocean seas.

A crew from the Center gathered at the shore to release him, but before he left his crate "a satellite tag was attached to Astro's back so The Marine Mammal Center would be able to track his travels in the ocean."Back on the very beach he was found the waves embraced his body, but frightened of the unknown he soon discovered that ocean waves were not to his liking.Not one iota.Astro made friends with some elephant seals, but would not venture back into the sea. Back to the center he went.They tried releasing him with eight seal pals from the Center, but no go.He hung on for dear life until gravity drew him into the sea.Ten days later guess what Astro did?He showed up on a beach near The Marine Mammal Center.How could they ever get him to go back to the sea where he belonged?Was he going to keep coming back to the Center?How could they break his attachment to people?

This is an amazing story of a young Stellar sea lion, Astro, who much preferred his summer nights in Sausalito instead of surfing the ocean waves.I was simply fascinated by Astro's story, who quickly brought to mind André the seal who was a denizen of the East coast.The highly realistic photo-like artwork was tremendously appealing.Many people do know that Astro now resides in Mystic Connecticut and would love for you to visit him.In the back of this book, which can be used in the homeschool or classroom setting, includes additional information about the species, a section concerning their threatened and endangered status, a map activity, life cycle information, a section describing how to differentiate between a sea lion and a seal, and access to additional web sites through the publisher's web site.I couldn't resist listening to Sausalito Summernight as I read about this little guy, a cutie you are definitely going to fall in love with! ... Read more

Product Description
Ages 7 to 14 years. This fascinating new book explores the wonders of seals and sea lions, known as pinnipeds which means "fin-footed". Beautiful full-colour photographs and captivating text introduce children to the bodies, behaviours, and habitats of these incredible creatures that live both on land and in water. A "must-sea" book for fans of marine mammals, children will discover: where seals and sea lions live; how they swim and dive in water; how they hunt and what they eat; dangers to seals and sea lions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fun and educational
This book has lots of information about different kinds of seals and sea lions.It also has lots of very good (and cute) pictures! ... Read more

Product Description

It's the summer of 1940 and the Nazis have crossed the English Channel to invade Britain. They advance North from the South coast and great swathes of Southern England come under German control.  Fiction, of course, but an invasion of Britain was planned by Hitler to take place in the summer of 1940 - how far would the Germans have been able to advance? Would they have been successful?  

• Huge appeal of hypothetical scenarios
• Reproduction of original German maps and briefing materials for the first time
• Detailed information on the anti-invasion measures taken in Britain and records of actual installations still in existence
• No comprehensive books have been published on it for over a decade
• Contemporary photos of relevant places add to the local history appeal.

Customer Reviews (7)

The 'what if' is a waste of time.
Marix Evans book "Invasion! Operation Sealion 1940", starts out with potential but falls short of expectation. The second half of this book is wasted on a 'what if' scenario that reminded me more of a NATO 'What if' exercise, than any WW-II battle report. The first half of Marix Evans book does do a fairly good job summarizing the essential elements of the forces involved and the problems facing each side in the conflict, however the analysis is unbalanced.

For example the book details the British 'anti invasion' fleet down to the armed trawler level, but fails to do the same for the German fleet. This gives an mistaken perception that the RN fleet outnumbered the German fleet 10:1. According to Peter Schenk , 320 German naval vessels were to escort the German invasion fleet of 4000 vessels. Marix Evans information points to an anti invasion fleet of about 1000 British warships and auxiliary vessels , including ~ 100 warships [Destroyers/Cruisers etc]. Of this total maybe 500 would have been readily available, near the channel to fight. This suggests the naval superiority was much more in question than the quoted 10:1 superiority in Destroyers suggests. Since the book instead clings to the implied 'absolute naval superiority' vision of Operation Sealion , the conclusion appears to be completely arbitrary and thus falls short.

Wishful thinking on the part of the British
The best part of this book is the lead-up to its main subject, a hypothetical invasion of Britain in 1940.The author provides a very concise, yet dramatic and readable, summary of the events of WWII from September 1939 through the fall of 1940.He also does a creditable job in outlining the known planning that went into Operation Sealion, but he goes way overboard in reproducing page after page of actual orders issued to specific units, which flesh out what might have been a very short book, but which would have been better put into an annex or footnotes.The key to a "what if?" scenario is to change just one thing and try to objectively play out history from that point.The operative change would have been a German decision to go after the RAF instead of London, seize control of the air, and launch the invasion.The author does that but then, apparently in order to let the British win, changes some British policies in very unhistoric ways, such as employing their excellent 90mm AA gun in an anti-tank role, just as the Germans did with their famous 88s.The British never did this despite plenty of motivation to do so.He also assumes a steady string of bad luck for the Germans and a world where over-age Home Guard militia outperforms German paratroopers.Since this is really just for fun anyway, a more exciting style in covering the supposed battles on British soil might have helped, but the overall rating for the book is marginal at best.

If you really want to understand if.
There are many myths about the possible invasion of England.There are several books that try to place scenarios of what would have happened.This book merely takes you into the facts so that you have an understanding of what the capabilities are of both sides.It is the only book I found that leaves the hype, myth, infighting and intrigue in the German High command behind.It presents the facts about the landing zones with a study of the both defensive and offensive capabilities.

It has one serious flaw in the final chapters it plays out a scenario of the attack and defense as the author sees it.While I wish this was left out it does allow the reader to see one idea on how the invasion would have played out.The reader can then use the informative front of the book to decide if the author is correct.I personally think he is a little to biased toward the British.I also wish he would have spent a little more time on the Battle of France.

Britain Alone
The book raised some interesting points and worth a read. However I don't believe that the German invasion would have made it much further inland than 10 miles after the landings. The RN would have destroyed the majority or the landing craft, the RAF could have pulled back to its Northern bases and been out of reach of the Bomber whilst still providing cover for the ground forces. The defences and Home guard would of been enough to have seen off the para drops, remember it was luck and spirit in Normandy that got the para through. The germans would have been starved of ammo and food, the RN was at least 10-1 advantage in terms of destroyers and battleships. For the invasion to have worked the build up would have been much earlier and would have been obvious to the British and French what was coming, and in 1937 we could of started to get ready.

Dunked
Anyone who knows me will know my fascination with the German plans to invade Britain and why.

I have read many books on the subject including Peter Fleming's Operation Sea Lion.

This book is not as well researched as most. And the conclusions are hard to accept since Britain was demoralized from France and very low on ammunition and the Germans were very good. Once the Krauts are across, they live off the land and can be supported by air. Once the panzers are across and first armored division done in it's over. It would have been as messy as Crete, but the result would still be the same.

Personally, I doubt Hitler really planned to do it. Though the plans were elaborate, the details and praparations were very shallow. I believe he was trying to bluff the Brits into a peace deal. ... Read more

Product Description
This, one of Fenimore Cooper's last novels, contains both a remarkable description of Antarctic exploring and one of the author's most direct discussions of religion - a subject which increasingly claims importance in his later fiction. ... Read more

Product Description
Seals and sea lions enjoy the freedom of the world'soceans. Playful and curious, these supremely adaptive marine mammalsare among the best loved of wild animals despite spending most oftheir lives out of the sight of humans. Some species of sea lionshave, however, suffered persecution to near extinction fromover-exploitation. It's only recently that they have been protected bylaw, and while there are still threats to some populations, many arenow recovering.

Seals & Sea Lions honors the lives of these fascinating animalswith revealing photography and expert text. David Miller guides usinto their world, so that we can learn some of their secrets andappreciate why their long-term protection concerns us all.

Also recommended: Sea Turtles, Alligator & Crocodiles.

Discover the world's animals in the WorldLife Library from VoyageurPress. This highly acclaimed series brings you the latest researchfrom leading naturalists, along with stunning color photographs ofyour favorite animals.

David Miller works for the Scottish Natural Heritage as a manager ofNational Nature Reserves in the northwest of Scotland. He has alsoworked on research projects on harbor seals and on the residentpopulations of seals on other nature reserves including the remoteisland archipelago of St. Kilda. He has studied seals and otherwildlife in Europe and North America. ... Read more

Product Description
Delve into the lush, undersea world of seals and sealions.

In these beautifully illustrated pages, youll discover thefascinating lives of seals and sea lions.Through lively writing andstunning photography by the countrys leading nature photographers,youll come face to face with Californias sea lions, harborseals, northern elephant seals, stellar sea lions and northern furseals, as well as endangered Hawaiian monk seals and many othermembers of this fin-footed group of marine mammals.Their adaptationsand endurance come to life as the author weaves the latest scientificfindings into a compelling narrative about life and death, feeding abreeding, migration and play.

Monterey Bay Aquariums Natural History Series brings you closer tothe living marine and coastal communities of the nations largestmarine sanctuary, where youll come face to face with some of themore interesting residents. Produced by the Monterey Bay AquariumPress, these books will stimulate your curiosity and understanding ofthe natural world.

Listed by the California Department of Education in RecommendedReading Science-Related Literature: Grades Kindergarten through Grade 12. ... Read more

Product Description
Discusses the adaptation, evolution, classification, distribution, ecology, behavior, communication, and learning of seals, sea lions and walruses. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Never buy books from Amazon
I never received the book;however, the seller promptly replied and refunded the purchase. As for new books sold by Amazon-due to their poor customer service, I never plan to buy a new book directly from Amazon for the rest of my life. I will be buying strictl from Borders.

A Remarkable Treatise on a Fascinating Subject
I know, I know.People would rather read about movie stars and otherfamous people.I know this one's not on Oprah's reading list.Initially Iwas captivated by the cover of the book, but even though I didn't know muchabout Pinnipeds at the beginning, I found it a highly pleasurable andinformative experience to scoot myself right through this book.

I'dlike to step past the obvious positive features of Riedman's lovinglycreated product - lucid, readable, interesting, well constructed - andfocus on something a little more subtle.Riedman steps outside the maintopic of the book frequently, with illustrative and textual hyperbolationsinto animal and plant life closely associated or analogous to thePinnipeds, presumably in an effort to provide a more three-dimensional viewof her subject matter.But there's more to it than that.The picture ofthe dead Great White Shark at Ano Nuevo - winter home to the NorthernElephant Seal - brought home to me the almost innocent wonder with whichRiedman views her subject matter.I imagined Riedman pouring overthousands of photographs, and on finding this one, saying "Boy!I'vegot to put that one in!" I have to admit that, by the time I got tothis picture, I was thoroughly hooked as well.And thinking about itfurther, I could see that the world these fascinating creatures inhabit istruly a different and marvelous place.

To think that before I read thisbook, I couldn't tell a Seal from a Sea Lion - both dark, blobby bodiesfloating around in the surf or sunning themselves on a tidal rock.Andafter reading "The Pinnipeds", I find that this image hasexpanded so very much more that I feel I can almost picture what the worldmust be like through the eyes of that Seal Lion on the cover.Now, to havewritten the book that got me there...Well all I can say is that MarianneRiedman is one lucky person to have been given the opportunity to writethis book, highly competent to have take the challenge so well, and aboveall so very much aware and so keenly fascinated by her subject matter. Well done!

I also want to say a brief word about the talented artiststhat provided illustrations for this book.Pieter Folkens is a highlyskilled technical illustrator, with a love for marine life, and an eye forthe detail.He can truly bring his creations to life.I'm less familiarwith Irene Campagna, but her efforts in "The Pinnipeds" are alsoexcellent.Both deserve mention here.

The Essential Text on Seals
Comprehensive. Well written. Informative. Accessible. ... I can't think of enough positive things to say about this book. Riedman manages to give readers a thorough overview of the biology and habits of sea lions, sealsand walruses. The book is encyclopedic in its scope, but you do not have tobe a biologist or naturalist to appreciate the details it covers. And thenthere are the pictures: maps, photos, line drawings and other illustrationshelp bring to life the various pinnipeds Riedman discusses.

Divided intonine chapters, the book covers their adaptation to life in the sea, theirevolution and classification, their ecology, predation, diet and food,mating and social structures, reproduction and life history, maternal care,and communication and learning. And while this is a biological text, thewriting is breezy and readable, mixing anecdotes and personal observationswith the multitude of facts. ... Read more

Product Description
In the summer of 1940 the Germans prepared to launch Operation Sea Lion, the invasion of England. The British, barely recovered from Dunkirk, rallied their defenses.

Both sides operated in great secrecy and, because the invasion never took place, the dramatic preparations for what would have been one of the watershed battles of history faded from memory.

Not, however, before Peter Fleming rescued this fascinating story from military archives and the recollections of survivors who were involved. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Style makes for painful reading
The author's writing style made for extremely painful reading.The punctuation had more commas than I've encountered before causing long and overly complex sentences.After 10 pages or so I had to put it down and buy a different book on the subject.

A witty history intended for reading for pleasure
Ian Fleming's brother Peter wrote this charming account of German amphibious invasion plans after Dunkirk, and Britain's plans to repel any invasion they might try.Fleming was peripherally involved in these plans, having been assigned during the dangerous post-Dunkirk period to preparing to wage guerrilla warfare behind enemy lines if the Boche took the beaches and moved inland, but this book is not a personal account but a broad history of the political, military, and psychological factors that went into invasion preparations on both sides, and the final German decision to back off.

Contrary to other reviews, this is not a book about the Battle of Britain.In Fleming's chapter on the Battle of Britain, he notes that the subject is covered extensively elsewhere and he only gives it attention as it relates to the Germans' plans for what they'd do after they won that battle, and on why they decided not to invade.It's more about what might have happened than about what did happen.

Fleming's favorite themes are the indomitability of the English mood at the time (which he amusedly puts down as much to cultural momentum as to courage) and Hitler's fatal misjudgment of it.He makes a convincing case that Hitler put off invading because he thought, wildly incorrectly, that the British were terrified and on the verge of making terms.He also persuasively posits that it was ironically good for the Reich that Hitler hesitated to implement Operation Sea Lion, because the invasion plan was doomed to fail.But Fleming's theses aside, this book is best read for his evocative and witty description of Britain's national mood between Dunkirk and the Battle of Britain -- a mood he underlines with illustrations drawn from the cartoons in contemporary Punch magazines.You can't help but respect the British and envy their courage after reading this entertaining book.

The true story of the Battle of Britain
The true story of the Battle of Britain. This book is a good read. It's about the planning of the Battle of Britain on German side, and the planning of the British defense, on the British side. If the Battle ofBritain had succeeded, it would have been the first successfulcross-Channel invasion since William the Conqueror in 1066. Hitler'shalf-hearted attempt at an invasion was bungled from the start. He didn'tcount on Britain being prepared. He was expecting Britain to be like Polandand the Soviet Union with its planes on the ground like sitting ducks.Churchill had once said that French said that Britain would have her neckwrung like a chicken. Then he quipped "some chicken--some neck."

The definitive story of the Battle Britain read this book!
The definitive history of the Battle of Britain read this book! Operation Sea Lion is about the planned German invasion of Britain. It's also about the British countermeasures. Not many people know that the British removedthe street signs from London's streets to confuse the Germans if they'dinvaded. It also confused the British drivers. There are some editorialcartoons as well. One has a man on the telephone, he's probably a BritishCabinet Minister or Sir Hugh "Stuffy" Dowding, and the caption's"Get me Messerschmitt 109." Operation Sea Lion was supposed to belike Operation Overlord--a cross- Channel invasion. The British wereprepared and they defeated Goering's vaunted Luftwaffe. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the first book of the Animal Rescue Series, and photographer John D. Weigand and writer and poet Penelope Dyan continue with Bellissima Publishing, LLC's plan to save the planet one species at a time by making kids and adults aware of the plight of those creatures over which humankind has been given dominion.Their visit to Laguna Beach's Pacific marine Mammal Center brings home the wonderful work that is being done there to saveseals, sea lions and elephant seals that need a little help before they can move along on their way. Dyan is an award winning author and poet, and Weigand is an experienced television engineer. Both have been widely published in their fields, Weigand in television engineering, and Dyan in teachers' journals, magazines for kids, and in business and law magazines.(Dyan has also published several titles in several genres with Bellissima.) ... Read more

Product Description
In the summer of 1940--after the Nazis crushed France and defeated Belgium--all Britain prepared for a German invasion. English forces stood on the Channel coast, waiting, but though the Luftwaffe bombarded Britain day and night, occupying forces never arrived. Why did they never attack this nearly defenseless island? Look through German eyes and get to bottom of the indecision that in the end may have cost them the war.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Like they say, don't judge a book by its cover
I was very disappointed in this book.I was looking for an analysis of the proposed invasion of England (Operation Sea Lion) from the German perspective.Much to my dismay, while the book is from a German perspective, this is little analysis of the invasion plans.There is some sparse information concerning the logistics involved, but not much else.The author gives you the feeling that the Germans could have succeded with such an endeavor, which is contrary to all the research I've done on the subject.One glaring omission is hardly any reference to the Royal Navy and the role it would have played in defending Great Britain.All in all, a disappointing book.

Operation Sea Lion, NOT!

One of the best things this book has going for it is being included in the Cassell Military classic paperbacks. It is one of 3 dozen I've purchased. As with the others this one is of interest.

It is well written and though it is translated from the German, hold ups well.It was originally published as OPERATION SEALOWE in 1987.

As an in depth look into Operation Sea Lion or, Sealowe in the German, it bombs out. It is, however, a very excellent recapitulation of the early years of World War II, from 1940 onward. Out of 26 chapters, in Chapter 24 we get to the occupation of the Channel Islands. Chapter 23 ends the battle of Britain, with Chapter 20 being the big day, "Adler Tag" or Eagle Day.

I'm not knocking the book as being a bad book because it isn't. On the contrary, it is a very interesting book. A very good book.

It is NOT however a book about Operation Sea Lion. Since it covers the war inside and outside Britain in general, it is a misnomer of sorts. The sub-title, "The German Plan To Invade Britain, 1940" gets worked into the narrative, eventually. But silly me, with a title such as OPERATION SEA LION I expected the total focus to be exactly that, the operation itself.And it most certainly is not.

I spent a good year or more tracking a copy of this book down. It is only one of three of World War II I have concerning Operation Sea Lion.While I would recommend it as a good World War II book could not,however, recommend it as a good book focusing on OPERATION SEA LION.

Semper Fi.

Great Multi-Perspective View
For anyone interested in a well-written, informative but not blanketing read describing the period between the conquest of France by the Wehrmacht and the beginning of Barbarossa, this would make a fine choice.Describing the events, occurrences and plans relating to Operation Sea Lion, the German plan for the invasion of England, the author does a commendable job at outlining period in a way that is effieicent and informative but not so in depth that the substance of the material is masked by superflous idoltry. Focused on a period that is less known overall, I found this selection to be one of the more interesting at describing the period of late summer and fall 1940 and explaining all of the information that is needed to understand not only the military and political facts of the period, but also the mindset of the people on both sides of the channel during the time.One cannot hold a full appreciation for the magnitude of WWII in Europe without an understanding of the fear evoked in this period, and this book will fill that need certifiably. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a review of Hitler on the doorstep : Operation "Sea Lion"
I personally, think this is a good book, as it shows the German point of view, instead of the British, I have read many books on Sealion, all of them have been concerned with the British preparations for overcoming theNazi invader, but this book is very well written and shows, us many pointof views including that of Adolf Hitler about the invasion of Britain. Avery good book.

Not Really About Sealion.
This book really covers the time of the battle of britain, and has not much to say new about sealion. As such, it's rather limited and not very interesting. ... Read more

Product Description
Compares and constrasts the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of seals, sea lions, and walruses. ... Read more

Product Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Product Description
Examines the physical characteristics and habits of the sea lion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

fun and informative
This book will capture the attention of older elementary school students.I would recommend this for grades 3-5.Well-written text complimented with interesting photos. ... Read more

Product Description
The remarkable story of northern California's sea lion colony and their amazing relocation to San Francisco after the devastating earthquake of 1989 is chronicled in this lively book. Each year over 110 million visitors converge on the docks at Pier 39 to enjoy the barking, fighting, and playing of as many as 1,000 sea lions. Such fun questions as why most of the pier's sea lions are male, why they seem to fight all the time, and why they choose to remain in San Francisco are answered, and young students learn how injured sea lions are rescued, rehabilitated, and released; what these curious mammals eat; how fast and far they can swim; and who and what their enemies are. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Fantastic nonfiction for children
As an elementary school teacher, nonfiction material that is informative and entertaining is hard to find.This book with its wonderful illustrations opens many doors for discussions about animal behavior, adaptations, and their habitats.

Pier 39 - here we come
The topic of this book is interesting to children. It deals with factual events, yet explains them in a manner that children can follow and enjoy. Characters (i.e., sea lions) with their own "personalities" are used to explain important conservation points.

This book is of particular interest to our children because of their interest in animals, particularly sea life. Pier 39 is now in our list of places to visit.

Interesting and educational
The accurate,interesting history combined with colorful illustration takes you to Pier 39. Real life characters that you can care about. Beautifully done. ... Read more

Book Description
An informative series that provides, in a concise format, better understanding of animals and their habitats. Fascinating in its diversity, the natural world comes to life on the pages of these spec tacularly illustrated volumes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Manatees are NOT Pinnipeds!
From the title, it appears that this book is supposed to be strictly about animals of the order "Pinnipedia," that is, animals that are flipper-footed.This order includes the true seals, sea lions, and walruses.The book starts off well enough with beautiful photographs and good descriptive text, but on page 63, Cleave inexplicably groups walruses and manatees together as if manatees also belong to this order.Manatees, while bearing perhaps a slight resemblance to walruses, are of the order "Sirenia" (manatees and dugongs) which are actually more closely related to elephants than to any marine mammal.Furthermore, while pinnipeds are piscivorous (fish-eating) and can spend part of their lives out of the water (i.e., on land or ice), manatees are herbivores and totally aquatic.The author does not point out these distinctions and thus this chapter is very misleading.Hopefully this will be remedied in any further printing of this book; in the meantime, anyone using this book as a reference should keep this in mind (indeed much more authoritative sources should be used instead such as Marianne Riedman's book "The Pinnipeds: Seals, Sea Lions, and Walruses" or "Seals of the World" by Judith King). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Whole series is good
Danielson has a real knack for taking stories from the Old Testament and weaving them into the history of the time. The books are like potato chips - you can't eat just one.

Best in the series
I have read the entire series to date, and this was without exception, the best in the series! If you can't get caught up with the characters in this book, you are probably dead. BRAVO Peter Danielson! Looking Forward to #20 ... Read more