Gorillas

by Seymour Simon

In the movies we see gorillas climb tall buildings and swat planes from the sky. But real gorillas are gentle, social animals that live together peacefully in family groups. Join renowned science writer Seymour Simon as he gets up close and personal with these fascinating mammals. His engaging narrative and nineteen riveting full-color photographs explore how gorillas gather their food and how their families live, communicate, and play in harmony. Readers will also learn about the efforts being made to protect gorillas and to safeguard their homes in central Africa, including Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda.

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children 2000--selected by Natn'l Science Tchrs Assoc. & Child. Bk Cncl. and Children's Books 2000-NY Public Lib.

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Science

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 5, 2000

About the author

Seymour Simon, whom the NY Times called "the dean of [children's science:] writers," is the author of more than 250 highly acclaimed science books (many of which have been named Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children by the National Science Teachers Association).

Seymour Simon uses his website, SeymourSimon.com, to provide free downloads of a wealth of materials for educators, homeschoolers and parents to use with his books, including 4-page Teacher Guides for all 26 of his Collins/Smithsonian photo essay books. The site provides multiple resources for kids writing book reports or wanting to explore the online Science Dictionary, and also features the Seymour Science blog highlighting current science news. Educators and families are encouraged to sign up to receive the monthly newsletter from SeymourSimon.com to stay abreast of the latest materials that Seymour Simon is introducing to enrich the reading experience.

He taught science and creative writing in elementary and secondary schools and was chair of the science department at a junior high school in the New York City public school system before leaving to become a full-time writer. "I haven't really given up teaching," he says, "and I suppose I never will, not as long as I keep writing and talking to kids around the country and the world."

Seymour Simon is also a creator and the author of a series of 3D books and a series of Glow-in-the-Dark Books for Scholastic Book Clubs, a series of leveled SEEMORE READERS for Chronicle Books, and the EINSTEIN ANDERSON, SCIENCE DETECTIVE series of fiction books. His books encourage children to enjoy the world around them through learning and discovery, and by making science fun. He has introduced tens of millions of children to a staggering array of subjects; one prominent science education specialist described Simon's books as "extraordinary examples of expository prose."

Seymour Simon has been honored with many awards for his work, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Lifetime Achievement Award for his lasting contribution to children's science literature; the New York State Knickerbocker Award for Juvenile Literature; the Hope S. Dean Memorial Award from the Boston Public Library for his contribution to children's science literature; The Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Award for Non-fiction; the Jeremiah Ludington Award for his outstanding contribution to children's nonfiction; the Empire State Award for excellence in literature for young people; and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Forum on Children's Science Books.

In a recent interview Simon was asked if he ever thinks of retiring. "I seem to be working faster and harder than ever. I absolutely don't feel any urge to sit back and look at what I've done. The only things that I'm thinking about are things I'd like to do in the future. I'm planning and doing and continuing to write. It's what I love to do. I remember a story about an anthropologist going to talk to a tribe and he asked them what was their word for "work." Their response was they have no word for work. Everybody does the things that they do in their life. I love that response. I don't differentiate between work and play. Everything I do is something that I enjoy doing - the writing, the research and everything else."

Seymour Simon writes and photographs nature from his hilltop home in Columbia County in upstate New York, where he lives with his wife Liz Nealon.

You can follow Seymour on Facebook and on Twitter, as well as on his website, which offers free, downloadable Teacher Guides to his books for educators, parents and homeschoolers, as well as the popular Seymour Science Daily Blo

Reviews

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great photos. Little heavy on the text for a young children’s book though.

[Manybooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

REVIEW OF THE ORIGINAL 2000 EDITION

Well, I guess I am going to assume that the updated in 2009 and published by the Smithsonian Institute editions of Seymour Simon’s 2000 picture book Gorillas contain both online and traditional book secondary sources, as this does seem to generally be the case for those Seymour Simon non fiction science tomes which have been updated and then rereleased by the Smithsonian. And of course, I therefore would also only tend to recommend the 2009 updated version of Gorillas over the 2000 original edition I found and read on Open Library (since no, in the original 2000 edition of Gorillas, there is no bibliographic material whatsoever included, and in my opinion, this does indeed rather lessen the supplemental research value of Seymour Simon’s original text).

Now with regard to the general writing style and the featured contents of Gorillas (of the first edition of course, since this is the what I read and am familiar with), I am most definitely and generally sufficiently textually and academically content with how Seymour Simon introduces gorillas as a species to his readers, to his intended audience of children from about the age of seven to nine or so. For yes, I have definitely both enjoyed and appreciated how the author presents his details on gorillas, with a nicely simple but at the same time thorough narrative (and all accompanied by delightfully expressive full colour photographs) which fortunately is also not ever textually overwhelming with regard to scientific jargon (and thankfully also not talking down to children), presenting an engaging and extensive portrait of what gorillas look like, what they eat, how they reproduce and behave, how closely related they are to us, as well as briefly but succinctly pointing out that most gorilla species are endangered and that this is mostly our doing, our fault (due to poaching, because of the utterly vile practice of hunting and eating gorillas as so-called bush meat, due the global black market for exotic pets, as well as from civil war, and of course also because habitat loss).

But sadly, even though I do much applaud Seymour Simon for clearly showing in Gorillas that gorilla species in general are very much endangered and that for the most part, we humans are the culprits here, I also and totally do NOT AT ALL think that Seymour Simon goes even remotely far enough with his comments, with his criticism. For in my opinion, Gorillas should be far far more unilaterally condemning of poaching and equally of the fact that poaching is usually such a threat because of demand. And well, I do personally and definitely consider it rather majorly unacceptable for Seymour Simon to in Gorillas mention the late Dian Fossey and her Gorillas in the Mist and then fail to point out that she was more than likely murdered by either poachers or their backers. Combined with the fact that I am also not all that pleased at there not being a section on gorilla and primate evolution included, while I certainly do find Gorillas a very decent and informative general introduction to all things gorilla, in particular Seymour Simon textually totally ignoring Dian Fossey’s brutal murder (and that this was very likely perpetrated by either poachers or by those supportive of poaching), this really does majorly annoy, if not infuriate me.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although my interest in children's literature tends to run more to works of fiction, whether it be picture-books or juvenile novels, Jane Hamilton's recent article - What Makes a Good Science Book? - in the May-June issue of the Horn Book Magazine, has reminded me that quite a few talented children's authors devote themselves to creating informational titles for young readers. In an effort to bring a little balance to my knowledge of children's books, I thought I'd try a few titles from her list of recommendations, and Seymour Simon was a name already familiar to me.

Illustrated with gorgeous color photographs that are sure to capture the attention of young readers, Gorillas offers a brief introduction to these majestic primates. With a discussion of the three gorilla species (western lowland, eastern lowland, and mountain), as well as habitat, diet, social relations, and conservation issues, Simon's book covers all the bases. I do find myself agreeing with the School Library Journal reviewer, who commented on the absence of any maps, but that is a small fault in an otherwise excellent book. Young students will find this a helpful book, when doing school-reports, and children in general will find it both informative and engaging.

[SaraKat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explains the basics of gorilla lifestyle and ecology as well as conservation issues. I enjoyed the pictures and the text was easy to read and informative.

[Elizabeth Lancaster · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book educates readers about gorillas using pictures of real gorillas. Simon uses this book to combat the stereotypes of gorillas found in movies. It explains many of the misconceptions that people have about gorillas and gives the readers om insight into their lives.

I thought this book was very interesting. I learned a lot about gorillas that I hadn't known before reading this book.

I would love to use this book and other books like it to teach students about the other organisms that share our world. If I took my class to the zoo, I would like to read this to my class and have them take notes of the facts presented in this book that they witnessed in real life.

[Katie Bruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Gorillas," Seymour Simon teaches children how Gorillas live, what they eat, and what they do, sometimes just like humans. They can chuckle, and burp just like humans. They also live in families like humans do. Gorillas have brother's and sister's like real-life people do. This is a good book for children to learn that some animals perform the same tasks as we do as human beings.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs are accompanied by simple text that provides good information on the physical characteristics, social behavior, and habitat of gorillas. It cover three types of gorillas, dispels some gorilla myths, and makes mention of two important gorilla researchers, including Dian Fossey. This book would be an excellent addition to a classroom science library for simple book reports, a study on primates, orange look at endangered species.

[Jc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great photo-story of gorillas. I have always been fascinated by these creatures.

[Kendall Coreno]

Title: Gorillas
Author: Seymour Simon
Illustrator: Smithsonian
Genre: Photographic Essay
Theme(s): Gorillas
Opening line/sentence: Gorillas are sometimes called anthropoid (manlike) apes.
Brief Book Summary: This book talks about the different types of Gorillas and their specific characteristics. The author also discusses where Gorillas are located in the world, there adaptations, the food they eat, why they look the way they do and their location in zoos.
Professional Recommendation/Review #1: The Horn Book Guide
(2) K-3 Debunking the myths about "scary beasts" spawned by our entertainment industry, Gorillas presents a more accurate portrayal of these gentle animals. While the stunning, highly expressive photos dominate in space and impact, Simon's child-friendly writing offers a fairly full picture of gorilla behavior, physiology, habitat, and daily life. The book ends on a strong conservationist note.
Professional Recommendation/Review #2: CBC Reviewer (National Science Teachers Association (NSTA))
Frequent award-winner Seymour Simon provides an engaging narrative to help intermediate readers explore the physical and behavioral characteristics of gorillas. Fascinating color photographs show how these primates gather food, live in family units, communicate, and play. Details about their habitat help readers understand what factors are endangering gorilla populations and how governments and organizations are making efforts to safeguard them in the Congo, Rwanda, and Uganda. This NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book can provide enrichment reading, links to independent research, and motivation for conservation careers. Grades 6-8. 2000, Harper Collins Publishers, 32p, $15.95. Ages 11 to 14.
(PUBLISHER: HarperCollins Publishers ([New York]:), PUBLISHED: c2000.)
Response to Two Professional Reviews: I liked how right away the author contradicts the idea that Gorillas are “scary beasts” because I believe it gives the reader a new way of looking at these animals while reading this photographic essay. Also, as discussed in the second review, I liked how the book describes not only the physical properties of Gorillas but also the important proprieties about their environment as well.
Evaluation of Literary Elements: On the end page, an index and glossary is included which justifies that the author is using the correct terminology when writing about Gorillas. Also, the style of writing is both interesting and personal through the use of third person, which makes it easy for the reader to relate to. The detailed photographs included in the story add an authentic element that allows the reader to directly see what the author wrote about in certain instances.
Consideration of Instructional Application: After talking about what makes a photographic essay, students could find their own that is about a particular animal and then do a report on that animal. This project would reinforce their understanding of a photographic essay while also allowing them to learn more about particular animals. This book could also be used to introduce a lesson about Gorillas or jungle animals in general.

[IrenesBookReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book shows the different kinds of gorilla’s that are around the world. Some are bigger and some smaller depending on where they live. They wrestle with each other just like human children and live in small family groups. The feed on juicy fruit, leaves, and stems. They can eat about 50 pounds of plants a day. There is lots of great information for anyone wanting to know about gorillas.

I enjoyed reading this and looking at the pictures. I learned information I had never heard before.

[Michele Farmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful photographs are accompanied by simple text that provides good information on the physical characteristics, social behavior, and habitat of gorillas. It covers three types of gorillas, dispels some gorilla myths, and makes mention of two important gorilla researchers, including Dian Fossey. This book would be an excellent addition to a classroom science library for simple book reports, a study on primates, or a look at endangered species.

[The Reading Countess · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Seymour Simon's work, so I ordered this one with high hopes of pairing it with other books I already have about Koko. I still will, but am a little let down by the quality of the text. Narrative nonfiction (usually Simon writes in traditional expository with a plethora of text features such as headings, subheadings, captions...) with very little "WOW" factor that he is so well known for. In the words of my sons, this one was "eh."

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorillas is a great book because it is a book that has a lot of main ideas and lots of details to go with that.It is a great book because it is really telling you about how they live and what their dangers are and how they do stuff and why they do that stuff if you are writing a peace about gorillas I would surly pick this book.

[Chevelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book and people who want to learn about gorillas then this would be a good book for that. And it talks about like what gorillas do to let the other gorilla know that he is angry.And it talks about why gorillas are sometimes called anthropoid apes. And how much monkeys wigh when they are born and what they do when they are born?.

[Leslie Kress · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of great information about gorillas. I find Seymour Simon's books to be interesting and educational. The photos show gorillas up close and their animated expressions. There is a lot written on each page, so it would most likely be too much for young readers. I would recommend this book for older students. I think it would be great to use for research on gorillas.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Seymour Simon book with wonderful pictures. However, it's lack of index makes it more for browsing than for reports.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was expecting a lot of cute pictures in this book and I was surprised by how scary some of them were. But it was a good book and I learned some cool new facts.

[JoEllen Mccarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE Seymour Simon books. I am also creating a text set to go with the One and Only Ivan. Had to include this beautiful and informative picture book.

[Brittany · Rating 2 out of 5]

January 1, 2009, Seymour Simon, Grades: K-5, Animals: Non-fiction.


Great book providing information and interesting facts on Gorillas!

[Aidan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was a good book because it told me how gorillas and humans are alike.

[Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book A lot it is about gorillas and there life and how they are like us.

[Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was really cool because it tells you about the gorilla, and it is similar to humans

[Kellee Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review at: http://www.unleashingreaders.com/?p=2370

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought the book was very interesting cause it told us how they alert every one and how the act and live also what they look like so actually i like the book and every one else should read it to.

[Saria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think that this book tells a lot about gorillas and that everybody should read it and keep poachers away from these cute animals!

[Chloe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good.But more for people who want to know about gorillas.This book has lots of facts about gorillas,Impressions,moods and other things like that.I would recommend to a friend.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

William, my 8 year old, liked this book but felt the information was incomplete as it did not address the work of Jane Goodall.

[Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a good book I learn lot of gorillas like a new born babe gorillas white is 4-5 pounds.