Dolbear, Emily J. Bald Eagles.

Dolbear, Emily J.   Bald Eagles.  Scholastic/ Childrens Press     48P $25.20 978-0-531-20901-1    elem  Series: Nature's Children (Scholastic/Childrens)  VG      

This book is appealing and readable, providing an engaging overview of bald eagle habitat, behavior, and survival.  At one point in the last century, our national symbol nearly went extinct, with only 500 mated pairs in North America; today there are about 10,000 bald eagles. 

The photographs are eye-catching, moving beyond the usual static close-up of the bald eagle at rest to arresting photos of the bird in flight, fledglings, and a row of eagles occupying a roof.   A full-page color photo is paired with a page of informative text.  The “Fact File” feature at the front of the book will appeal to young researchers who will find this summary useful for reports.  Students may be interested to learn that the bald eagle is North America’s only breed of sea eagles and that Ben Franklin campaigned to have the turkey as the national emblem.

I have only one small gripe with the text.  On page six, the text reads "Bald eagles got their name from early settlers in North America.  These settlers described them with a word similar to bald that meant 'white'." The term that means "white" instead of "bald" is not provided.

Unfamiliar terms are defined (and sounded out) for readers in the glossary.  Readers interested in learning more will find the book list and websites that are provided useful.  There is also a brief index.  This is a current, informative volume on a species that has bounced back from the edge of extinction.                                          --Hilary Welliver