Primates

Ottaviani, J. (2013). Primates. NY: FirstSecond.

     Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birute Goldikas and their work with primates are creatively portrayed in this informational graphic novel aimed at kids in the middle grades. The cartoon-like depictions draw in readers to a world of science and research sprinkled with humor and charm. Ottaviani doesn't shy away from the realities of their lives and the difficulties they faced, both as women in a male dominate world or in the complications that come with life in the African bush.This group biography succeeds in introducing the reader to these three admirable women in an entertaining and accessible way. 

Textbook Assignment #2

Evaluative Criteria - Design

     The format and presentation of Primates is that of a graphic novel aimed at older children or young adults. The life stories of these three women are laid out in comic style pages with conversational and sometimes humorous dialogue. Covering these three primatologists’ work and accomplishments, Jim Ottaviani and Maris Wicks have treated a new generation of readers to the world of primates. Their focus seemed to be on the overall design in hopes of appealing to a broader audience. The dialogue is not overly scientific and, at times, a work of fiction but the material covered and the style of presentation is enough to pique the interest of any scientist or animal lover.

Teaching Books
http://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?aid=11716&a=1&a2=1

Book Trailer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jLASr1Abmg