Product Description An acclaimed nature writer hosts a journey to the last refuge of the most endangered seal species, the Hawaiian monk seal, and into the biology, lives, and behavior of these rare and beautiful mammals. From School Library Journal Kindergarten-Grade 5?This lyrical record of the author's experience visiting the remote habitat of a severely endangered species is the type of book that engages the imagination as well as the mind. Accompanied by eloquent full-color photos, a map, one drawing, and an index, the text follows Ackerman's trip to French Frigate Shoals, a tiny group of islands some 450 miles northwest of the Hawaiian Islands, one of the last outposts of a breeding population of this ancient seal. It abounds in poetic phrasing, such as "...bees were kazooing in the lavender bed." Still, information on physical attributes, diet, daily regimens, pup rearing, and breeding are included. There's just one carp: a phrase states that monk seal used to live in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. While the Caribbean monk seal has not been recorded in over 40 years, the Mediterranean monk seal (even more endangered than its Hawaiian cousin) is still glimpsed in the sea for which it is named. Not often, mind you, but still in evidence. That said, this slim, oversized book will engage readers with its eye-catching cover, and will impart some basic information along with describing an enviable journey to a far-away place.?Patricia Manning, Eastchester Public Library, NYCopyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.