Gibbons’s latest is a handy early reference book about the African elephant. Beginning with where elephants are found, the text moves on to look at early ancestors of the elephant and the specific features that make it unique in the animal world: trunk, tusks, thick skin, large ears, poor eyesight and large molars. Much of the narrative focuses on the social nature of elephants—how they live in family groups, raise their young, find food and water and protect themselves. Large titles at the beginning of each new topic and large-print vocabulary words that are defined on the same page make this an easily accessible resource for children. The greens, browns, yellows and grays of the watercolors reflect the African savannah and forest habitats of the elephants. A map and numerous diagrams acquaint readers intimately with their subject. Often full-page illustrations do not convey the full range of information found in the text, so Gibbons employs insets to portray the concepts. A good introduction to the topic. (Informational picture book. 4-8)
