Face to Face With Gorillas (Face to Face with Animals) by Michael Nichols, Elizabeth Carney (February 10, 2009) Hardcover

by Michael Nichols

Deep in the jungle—you’re suddenly face to face with the great gorilla. It’s clear that even here, you are sharing a moment with one of man’s closest relatives. He’s staring at you with those eyes that look so...human. Experiences like this have made National Geographic photographer Nick Nichols a fierce advocate for conservation of shrinking wildlife habitats.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Animals

Unknown Binding

First published February 10, 2009

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[MissDziura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Michael Nichols’ book Face to Face With Gorillas, is a great resource for students of all ages, yet its intended audience is readers in grades 3-5. Not only is Nichols an expert in the field of gorillas, he also supplies an age-appropriate index, research notes, and glossary for readers. A Booklist review by Randall Enos explains further;
The back matter includes sections on how the reader can help, a challenge to develop an appropriate zoo habitat for gorillas, “facts-at-a-glance,” a brief glossary, and a list of resources. This is of limited value for research, but useful for inspiration.
The text is organized in a reader-friendly manner beginning first with his experiences studying gorillas, information about the great ape, and finally the challenges gorillas face living on Earth. The visual information that is used effectively compliment the text, yet some of the sidebar information seem misplaced. For example, there is a sidebar called “How to play like a gorilla” that is found on the page that describes how Silverback gorillas are the protectors of their troop. It would have made more sense for this sidebar to appear after the section a few pages before that describe young gorillas. There are a few theories presented by the author that illustrate the accuracy of the information such as how gorillas have evolved from the same species that humans have. The majority of the text is facts about gorillas which are restated in a condensed section at the end of the book. The way in which the text reads is appropriate for the intended audience specifically in terms of its how the expository writing is written in a conversational tone for the readers. A great example is when the author describes the typical disposition of a gorilla, he says “Although they’re very strong, gorillas are peaceful, plant-eating animals. In fact, their favorite activities are eating and napping” (pg. 10). This example shows how Nichols is able to make appropriate connections to his readers. In terms of literary artistry, literary elements are not extensively used to create a story about the gorillas, although there are certain gorillas like Ziz whose “story” is told through the eyes of the author. The attractiveness of the book is apparent with the use of pictures to enhance particular sections. One of the most powerful pictures shows a gorilla that is getting attention from a caretaker in a sanctuary after being rescued. Overall this could be a highly useful information text for a science classroom, or even just a classroom library for students that are interested in animals.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular full color photography in a beautiful National Geographic book provides a perfect venue for studying ecology, animals, and conservation. The text provides lots of facts presented in story form as well as in a "facts at a glance" section and a small glossary. It's especially nice that the author includes his own personal experiences with gorillas in the wild. The book is heavy on the importance of conservation and touches on evolution. Excellent classroom library resource for grade three and up for book reports, a unit on endangered animals, or conservation.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is published by National Geographic with close-up and action photographs, a map, and a drawing. The map shows where the four types of gorillas range in Africa. There is a lot of good background information here about how the gorillas live, socialize, eat, play, and what diseases effect them. It also talks about the problem of poaching and habitat loss from logging. There is a growth in tourism to see the gorillas, and this has changed attitudes, but the rules for distance are not always followed. The back matter contains facts at a glance and a glossary.

Add this to your text set with The One and Only Ivan and a study of Diane Fossey. It would definitely be a good book for a student doing research on this animal.

[Michele Farmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spectacular full color photography in a beautiful National Geographic book provides a perfect venue for studying ecology, animals, and conservation. The text provides lots of facts presented in story form as well as in a "facts at a glance" section and a small glossary. It's especially nice that the author includes his own personal experiences with gorillas in the wild. The book is heavy on the importance of conservation and touches on evolution. Excellent classroom library resource for grade three and up for book reports, a unit on endangered animals, or conservation.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nichols speaks to readers through 1st person narrative about his experiences with gorillas. Along the way he shares facts and details, occasionally nudging the agenda of conservation and protection. Touches on the gorilla-human common ancestor theory. Many large photos throughout, helpful captions. Includes Facts at a Glance, Glossary, Index, list of additional resources, and Research & Photographic notes.

[Lauren Barone · Rating 4 out of 5]

The pictures in this book were absolutely incredible. Gorillas are such a fascinating animal and have so many human-like qualities. This book could be inspiring to a younger audience studying the wild animals of different habitats and their lives. I would use this in a lesson on the wildlife of the world and demonstrating the rewarding outcomes of supporting a great cause such as shrinking wildlife habitats.

[Raina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cool pictures, but not quite as many as I would want. Not as much emphasis on the "Face to Face"ness as I would want. More emphasis on text about gorillas, especially conservation information. Which I'm all for, but there weren't as many hard facts as I expected.

[Katie Morris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is all about gorillas. It gives numerous facts ranging from behavioral characteristics to life expectancy.
I would use this book in a science lesson discussing primates. I would also use this in a compare and contrast lesson discussing a gorilla's similar characteristics to a human.

[Lucia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cool!!!!

[Jordan arieno · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a photogarapher that has grown up to take snap shots of gorillas. But these are rare gorillas there Silverback Gorillas.

[Christopher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked that this book was an intimate look into the lives of specific gorillas, rather than written generally. Highly informative.

[Lindsey Lubker]

This is a national geographic book. It makes you feel as if you are meeting a gorilla. It tells you all the details about gorillas.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

National Geographic, what can I say.

[Alexis Demaria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love gorillas so I loved this book! Very interesting.