Starred Review Although giraffes are among Africa's most recognizable animals, there are relatively few books for middle-graders on these towering creatures, making this an incredibly welcome addition to any collection. Author and scientist Dagg has spent her life studying giraffes and brings her considerable knowledge to this comprehensive overview, which not only introduces giraffe evolution, diet, social behaviors, and anatomy but contextualizes this information within a framework of conservation. Several subspecies of giraffe are endangered, and the species as a whole is at risk, due largely to human poaching and habitat loss. The text is full of fascinating facts en a giraffe nibbles leaves from a tree, it's called "browsing"; their black tongues may be darkly colored to prevent sunburn t where Dagg will really hook readers is with her profiles of five different giraffes, including one with a crooked neck and another that attends zoo "school" to keep its mind stimulated. Dagg takes a balanced view of conservation, explaining the benefits (few) and problems (many) with keeping giraffes in zoos and the important role natural reserves and conservancies play in their protection. Heartwarming photos of giraffes galloping, browsing, and nuzzling their calves simply add to the book's overall effectiveness. Concluding resources and tips for becoming a "giraffe guardian" will guide readers, who will come away wanting to join the fight to save these gentle giants.

Through stories of five giraffes, this book provides abundant information about behavior, anatomy, evolution, and endangered status. From Lmara, living free on a reserve in Kenya, to Msitu, living in a Colorado zoo, Dagg provides a critical but balanced view of life in the wild versus captivity. Nearly every page features highly detailed photos. Suggested activities for young "giraffe guardians" are appended. Bib., glos., ind.

Gr 4-6 Dagg, a remarkable pioneer in giraffe studies, shares deep insight into the lives of these creatures, tracing their evolution and discussing the threats they face (captivity, extinction). Five specific giraffes, along with their life stories, are introduced to educate readers on giraffe behavior, biology, mating, diet, habitat, and more. Readers will meet the likes of Lmara, a reticulated giraffe in Kenya, and Msitu, a five-year-old giraffe at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado. The large, clear photos are a mix of Dagg's own and well-selected stock images. This material is presented expertly for students in search of data for an animal report and for bighearted souls who wish to be guided on how to make a positive difference for the animals. VERDICT Written by a heroic living scientist, this is a worthy purchase for animal collections. Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA