Great Apes

February 1, 2025
Introductions to the four types of great apes, all of which are classed as endangered or even critically endangered. Gudgeon lays on the charm with a trowel, characterizing the peaceable bonobos as "happy hippies" with "supercute" babies, chimpanzees as the "cool kids" on the ape family tree, orangutans as "our high-flying rainforest friends," and gorillas as "gentle giants." The many stock photos strongly follow suit--perhaps going overboard by kitting out some bonobos with images of party hats and captioning one photo of a baby orangutan with "as cute and fuzzy as you can get." Elsewhere, appealing full-face close-ups mingle with views of cozy family groups or offspring with nurturing parents. The author expands his topic with a quick look at the species of gibbons classed as "lesser apes"; he goes on to briefly describe his chosen quartet's general habits, ranges, and diets while carefully distinguishing each one's regional variants or biological subspecies and discussing the devastating population drops caused by habitat loss and poaching. Gudgeon points to the use of tools in the wild and the language-learning abilities of individuals like Kanzi the bonobo and Koko the gorilla as signs of their rich intellectual and emotional intelligence. And, along with side profiles of Dian Fossey, Jane Goodall, and other great-ape advocates, he lauds a game preserve and other conservation efforts before closing with ways for concerned readers to add their support. A justly earnest call for concern. (glossary, resource list, index)(Nonfiction. 7-10)

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April 1, 2025

Gr 5-8-Each of these engaging and informative books opens with the author describing a personal interaction with the featured animal. Subsequent chapters provide thorough and accessible profiles, covering physical features, behaviors, evolution, history, and endangered status. The writing style is conversational at times, but also filled with fascinating scientific information. The authors' enthusiasm for their subjects comes through clearly. Biological data is balanced neatly with personal stories of scientists and short portraits of individual animals like Sid, the octopus escape artist, and Koko the gorilla. Current scientific discoveries as recent as 2024 are noted. Visual content includes many well-chosen photographs, along with drawings and useful diagrams. Closing chapters highlight current threats to the creatures, along with suggested ways that people can help. VERDICT First-rate animal nonfiction for middle school readers.

Copyright 2025 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 1, 2025
Grades 4-7 Young readers may be fascinated to know that humans share 99 percent of our DNA with chimpanzees and bonobos, and 98 percent with gorillas. These are just a few of the interesting facts in this book about the great apes--gorillas, chimpanzees, bonobos, and orangutans--that describe their behavior, physiology, and habitat. All are classified as endangered or critically endangered due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and climate change. Gudgeon shares how technology has been invaluable in helping scientists monitor these apes, such as by using satellites and drones without disrupting the animals, and other helpful conservation efforts. This informative and attractively designed text is accompanied by color photographs, "Fast Facts" and "Did You Know?" sidebars, and a multitude of information boxes. Short profiles include famous apes (Koko, Kanzi), notable scientists, conservationists, and primatologists such as Jane Goodall, Birute Galdikas, and Dian Fossey. This appealing and well-researched Orca Wild series title will be appreciated by readers who want to know more about these amazing primates and how to help save them. Concludes with glossary, resources, and index (not seen).

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