Science Comics: Elephants: Living Large

by Jason Viola, Falynn Koch (Illustrator)

Overview

Have you herd? There's a new volume in First Second's STEM graphic novel series: Science Comics: Elephants!

Did you know elephants are the world's largest land animals? Male African elephants can reach ten feet tall and weigh up to 16,500 pounds! These endangered animals are beloved for their massive ears, thick skin, and flexible trunks, as well as their remarkable intelligence and empathy. And despite their size, the more you get to know them, the more you'll realize humans and elephants have a lot in common!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250265913
Publisher:	First Second
Publication date:	03/12/2024
Series:	Science Comics Series
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	108,301
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	9 - 13 Years

About the Author

Jason Viola lives in Massachusetts, where he co-founded the Boston Comic Arts Foundation and helps produce comics festivals throughout the region. He is also the author of Science Comics: Elephants, Science Comics: The Digestive System, and Science Comics: Polar Bears. Jason lives outside Boston with his wife and son.

Falynn Koch was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. Her other books from First Second include Science Comics: Bats, Science Comics: Plagues, History Comics: The Wild Mustang (with writer Chris Duffy), Maker Comics: Bake Like a Pro!, and History Comics: The National Parks.

Editorial Reviews

02/01/2024

Gr 4–6—This series continues to introduce readers to science content in an accessible graphic novel format. Told from the perspective of Duni, an eight-year-old female elephant, the story follows her family's herd over several years. Births, deaths, changes in leadership, and the challenges of survival are narrated by Duni as she interacts with her extended family. Various elephant abilities are explained, such as sensing vibrations with their feet or how they produce a rumble too low in frequency for humans to hear. Some illustrations show details in a light-hearted way, such as social media postings on "Trunkbook" that illustrate bonds between elephant families, clans, and other associations. Others provide more scientific information, such as a comparison of Asian elephants to African savanna and forest species, or the level of danger from various predators. Readers will learn fascinating facts about the ancient species related to elephants, the many uses for trunks, and the matriarchal organization of herds. An introduction from elephant scientist Caitlin O'Connell, who has studied elephants in Namibia for 30 years, kicks off this exploration of facts. There is also a glossary to wrap up the information. VERDICT With maps, diagrams, and a fascinating exploration of all things elephant, this book is just right for animal lovers and budding zoologists.—Suzanne Costner

School Library Journal

A Junior Library Guild selection

"With maps, diagrams, and a fascinating exploration of all things elephant, this book is just right for animal lovers and budding ­zoologists." —School Library Journal

From the Publisher