11/01/2023
Gr 3–6—From an octopus "escape artist" to grieving elephants, this set explores many aspects of animal intelligence in an engaging fashion. Apes, for example, includes examples of tool use, vocabulary, communication, and memory. Each title opens with an especially intriguing example of animal intelligence, such as dogs' ability to understand "fairness" and sleeping dolphins that sometimes mimic whales. Quotes from scientists and descriptions of their interactions with animals provide engaging insight into how humans have identified mental achievements of animals. The role of technology is woven neatly into the narratives, from iPad-using orangutans to the use of MRI's to study dog intelligence. A closing "Scientist Spotlight" page highlights the work of a single animal expert. Most photographs relate directly to the behavior described in the text and many show animals interacting with scientists and other humans. VERDICT First-rate presentations on a fascinating topic.
