Narwhals are animals that loom large in legend and superstition because of their uncommon appearance, superlative diving abilities, and the predictable migratory patterns that often bring them into contact with humans. By examining their life cycles, social patterns, and physiology, Awa eliminates much of the mystique that clouds a full appreciation for these special mammals. Awa, a native of Igloolik, Nunavut, and an authority on traditional knowledge of indigenous Americans, presents the most compelling facts about narwhals. Readers will learn that only males possess the most noticeable feature, their horns, which are actually long teeth that can sense changes in the surrounding water conditions. They will also discover that a number of animals prey on narwhals, including polar bears. With intricate and colorful detail, Lim's illustrations are scientifically accurate and a beautiful complement to Awa's straightforward text. Pairing a high-interest topic with an appealing presentation, this is quality nonfiction for emergent readers and young animal-lovers.

Gr 2-4 A neatly organized though thin introduction to narwhals. The text briefly covers habitat, range, biology, skeletal parts, diet, special abilities (for instance, the narwhal can eat with only two teeth), and predators. The short section on predation conveys the narwhal's risky circumstances through gentle illustrations that are in soft blues, whites, and grays, in line with the rest of the artwork and sensitive to children's sensibilities. Awa writes gracefully, like a storyteller, so it is discouraging that he did not cite his sources, though students are generally required to do so. VERDICT This simple presentation will encourage young zoology enthusiasts toward further study. A supplemental purchase for animal collections. Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA