Starred Review This latest in the Scientists in the Field series has all the elements of top-notch nonfiction. From the outstanding book design to the presentation of information via the shadowing and profiling of a Sumatran rhino, Emi, and her baby, readers will develop a fondness for the ugly but fascinating mammal. Who knew that there are five kinds of rhinos, that rhino pregnancy lasts 16 months, that rhinos are the most difficult species to breed in captivity, and that they have been on earth longer than any other living mammal? Beginning with a sonogram of Emi's fetus, the author, a photographer, recorded the relationship between endangered-species breeding expert Terri Roth and Emi, whom Terri tries to help become a mother. Close-up color photos illustrate an informative text that asks questions to engage the reader. The title page resembles rhino skin, and page numbers are set against small, white rhino outlines. Charts and maps provide additional facts. A captivating telescopic view of a unique animal.

Working in the Cincinnati Zoo as part of a worldwide effort to support endangered animals, scientist Terri Roth succeeds in helping a pair of Sumatran rhinos reproduce, using techniques that can be used to help other rhinoceroses both in captivity and, indirectly, in the wild. Woven into the saga of Emi, Ipuh and their progeny is a thorough introduction to this intriguing mammal, which is, next to elephants, the largest land animal in the world. With clearly written text, detailed and well-reproduced photographs and helpful maps and charts, Carson and Uhlman describe the five rhinoceros varieties in the world today, including something of their background, their habits and habitats, their similarities and differences. (A "Rhino field guide" with fast facts is part of the backmatter.) Other members of the zoo team are shown supporting Roth's work. The emphases on reproductive science and zoo work both make this an unusual addition to the admirable Scientists in the Field series, one that should be welcome in high-school as well as middle-school libraries. (glossary, suggested reading and websites, index) (Nonfiction. 10-16)

Gr 5-8-Through lively prose and stunning full-color photographs, readers learn how Terri Roth, an expert in endangered-species reproduction at the Cincinnati Zoo, helped Emi to give birth to the first Sumatran rhino born in captivity in more than 100 years. One of five rhino species, the Sumatran rhino is relatively tiny (3 to 5 feet tall, weighing from 1300 to 2000 pounds) compared to the other species (ranging from 4.5 to 6.5 feet and weighing from 1700 to 6000 pounds). Illustrations superimposed on a world map show their differing appearances from Africa to India to Asia. The text is full of important details, and the photographs are unfailingly crisp, bright, and full of variety. Reproductive biology and breeding with human assistance are explained as are the conservation and environmental issues impacting rhino survival in the wild. Like many of the entries in this popular series, Emi is engaging and informative.-Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.