Book Review 10

Bibliography

Simon, Seymour. 2000. Gorillas. Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN 9781404666566

Plot Summary

Seymour Simon’s Gorillas presents thorough information about gorillas and their similarities to humans. From dispelling the belief that gorillas are aggressively violent to discussing their family life and eating habits, Simon offers an easy to understand informational book for children and readers of all ages. The books informative tone turns persuasive at the end as he recommends allowing the gorillas to survive and giving them a chance to increase to avoid the extinction of this animal.


Critical Analysis

Simon offers an easy to read, interesting book that is simple to understand without being condescending. The information covered is detailed and covers all areas of the gorillas’ life. The similarities Simon presents such as “gorillas and humans share ninety-eight percent of their DNA” helps the reader relate and sincerely care about the information being shared. The information is accurate and presented in a straight forward manner. The organization of the book is perfect. From where the gorillas live to their types, looks, and family and individual habits, Simon offers smooth transitions throughout making the book feel as much like a story as an informational nonfiction piece. Simon’s style is personal, and he writes about the gorillas as if they are old friends rather than an animal that humans already have so many preconceptions about. The plea at the end for gorillas to be able to live and survive in peace does not feel forced, and readers would be hard pressed to not feel an emotional connection to the gorillas after hearing Simon plead their case and present their life for observation.

Adding to the personal feel of the book are the large, glossy photographs of the gorillas. Up close and personal, these snapshots show the gorillas individually and with their young. They are shown getting older and with their hair graying, “much like the hair on an older persons head”, and the pictures add an authenticity to the facts. As the reader is receiving information about the animals, it is easy to view the pictures and see some of the startling similarities between gorillas and humans, a point Simon proves through his writing as well.

Review Excerpts

"Simon's concise and child-friendly writing means that a fairly full picture of gorilla behavior. . .is amply conveyed..." Horn Book

"His approach is wonderfully accessible, giving his young readers connections they can recognize." Kirkus Reviews

"The extremely handsome, oversized color photos enhance the readable text and complement it perfectly." School Library Journal

Connections

*Have students group up and choose another book by Seymour Simon about animals. After reading their choice, students will share informational facts with the class about what they learned.
*Have students create a Venn diagram comparing gorillas and humans after reading Gorillas.