Albino Animals

by Kelly Milner Halls

Discover more about the special challenges faced by albino animals that exist in virtually every species on Earth. Vivid photography of unusual albino animals gives this book strong appeal.

Genres: Nonfiction, Science, Nature, Picture Books, Animals, Childrens

72 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2004

About the author

Kelly Milner Halls specializes in high interest, well researched nonfiction for young readers. Her books include TALES OF THE CRYPTIDS, SAVING THE BAGHDAD ZOO, IN SEARCH OF SASQUATCH and ALIEN INVESTIGATION. But she is also an avid YA fan and loves realistic fiction including GIRL MEETS BOY, the anthology she edited for Chronicle (January 2012). Her first short story is in that anthology. She hopes it won't be her last. When she's not writing or doing school visits, she works for her friend and mentor Chris Crutcher in Spokane.

Reviews

[Paul Hankins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, as with her other texts, Halls approaches albinism from a scientific approach rather than as a novelty or curiosity. The two-page introduction to the book serves well as an explanation for how recessive genes manifest themselves under certain conditions that would make this book an excellent companion piece to text book approaches to gene discussions.

Halls then goes on to showcase animals of all shapes and sizes which will be of great interest to boy and girl readers alike (what's not to like about a book that presents White Bengal Tigers and Koalas right next to some of the world's most interesting lizards and frogs?).

Halls would make a wonderful addition to any classroom library, especially with a new focus on non-fiction as part of the Common Core Standards. Halls's writing is accessible and conversational , like moving your desk right next to an active researcher.

[Rain · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book, to be sure. Most people know what an albino looks like but they really do not understand anything deeper than their looks. Though this book was directed more towards a younger audience, it was still fascinated and educational.

[Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

It sets up and delivers exactly what is in the title and on the book cover. There is some pretty dark content though, not for young kids maybe. There's a part where it talks about two albino pugs, one blind, forced to breed and make more albinos, but albinoism doesn't work that way. So they end up chucked on the side of the road abandoned. Things like that could deeply upset kids.

[Deborah White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Albino Animal is a very informative book about an unusual subject - Albino Animals. The author takes a scientific approach to exploring this interesting topic about some very unique and quirky looking animals. Stunning photographs of some very weird and fascinating animals. The author approaches this subject from a scientific approach while adding in novel and unique features of these little know and understood animals. I found this book fascinating and I think children and adults of all ages would also enjoy this engaging read. It offers an insight into an unusual, and almost (often!) creepy genetic anomaly of our animal population, which includes albino humans. The book offers a great deal of scientific information in addition to the surprising and unbelievable facts about albino animals like the albino humpback whale, Migaloo, who after being discovered went unsighted for 4 years. An interesting read for a very diverse audience. I can't imagine anyone who would not enjoy reading about these weird and unusual animals.

[Abby Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halls begins with a description of albinism and how it occurs genetically. It's very rare and albino animals often can't survive in the wild. Small animals are obvious to predators and even large animals are susceptible to the sun's rays. Without pigment their skin and eyes are sensitive to UV rays.

Photos accompany information about each of the albino animals presented in this book. Since they are so rare, most of the information is presented as case studies. Side boxes provide additional facts and answers about the animals. Halls has obviously done her research and she provides an extensive bibliography at the end of the book.

This is a topic that will surely be of interest to kids and with the great photos and interesting facts, it practically booktalks itself.

[jzmcdaisy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The term 'accessible science book' has always come off as oxymoronic to me, but I think this was my first experience with such a book. It goes over genetics in a way that I could sort of grasp as a child, and the author elaborates on examples of albinism (including in humans) with scientific prose. I've seen other reviews about how this book could be upsetting to kids because people breed animals without thought and dispose of them if they don't get what they want. If anything that's a stronger endorsement of this book. You're never too young to learn about life's cruelties, and maybe it could even ensure kids treat animals better.

[Kris Dinnison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Albinism is a condition that has been vilified by humans and in movie sand literature. The unusual physical qualities it creates can seem scary. But by talking about albinism in the context of the animal world, Kelly makes these same qualities more interesting than sinister. She tells the story of each albino animal, including a gorilla, an alligator, a stingray, and even an albino hummingbird. This has remained one of Kelly's most popular books, and it's easy to see why.

http://scribbleandhum.blogspot.com/20...

[Sandy Brehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rare phenomenon of albinism occurs in many species of animals and even in plants. Remarkable photos are credited and the text, as is typical for Hall, is compelling, clear, and fascinating.
Authoritative back matter: index, bibliography (also cites interview sources and web sites referenced), glossary, and a message from the author.

[Ss Ho · Rating 5 out of 5]

Albino Animals is a book full of great facts about Albinos, yet in a easy to read format.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting facts and photography. My children curiously spent days with this one.

[Pj · Rating 4 out of 5]

fasinating to see the different kinds of animals that are albino or considered albino and how they have to adapt

[Deborah Harris]

AR Quiz No. 78247 EN Nonfiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: MG - BL: 7.1 - AR Pts: 2.0
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP, VP

[Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

White is not right when the colors fade due to genetic mutations. This book introduces the lives of amazing albino beings from all around the world.

[rAy]

haha, read at my friend Ray Lu's house when I was bored.

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was very informing. I loved learning about the different albino animals.