Detector Dogs, Dynamite Dolphins, and More Animals with Super Sensory Powers

It is often said that man’s best friend is the dog, but dogs as well as other animals might be considered man’s best workmates after reading this terrific book. The first chapter is about a dog, Eba, who uses her exceptional sense of smell to find — wait for it — whale poop. It doesn’t sound glamorous, but the work is important to researchers learning about orcas.

Other chapters tell about how speedy ferrets help solve underground plumbing problems, how pigeons can deliver messages and small packages, how goats clear areas and help prevent fires, how bluegills protect water supplies, how specially trained dolphins find underwater explosives, and more. Each section is several pages long with terrific writing and beautiful photographs as well as fun graphics and sidebar information and an age-appropriate activity.

Extensive back matter has general resources as well as specific resources for each chapter that will encourage youngsters to do their own research and expand their learning. There are also source notes, an excellent bibliography, and a good index. Kids in the upper-middle grades will be thoroughly engaged and fascinated by all the great information packed into this book. This is a real winner.