The Ultimate Book of Whales

Up-Close Encounters With Earth’s Mightiest Mammals

Hardcover

Grades 3–7
Ages 8–12

Plunge into the wondrous world of humpbacks, dolphins, and every cetacean in between with famed National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry as your guide.

This gorgeous compendium features all of the major whale species, from blue whales to belugas, right whales to minke whales, narwhals to orcas, and even dolphins. (Yes, dolphins are whales, too!) Get the inside scoop on how these beloved ocean mammals live, what they eat, and how they hunt, play, communicate, and care for their young.

Discover which whales have epic underwater battles with giant squid, why scientists think dolphins have unique names for each other, the challenges these animals face, and much more. With breathtaking photography, the latest science, and exclusive behind-the-lens stories from Skerry—including the time he rescued a baby whale caught in a lobster line—this book is a fascinating dive into all things whale. You’ll feel like you’re swimming right alongside these magnificent mammals.

Complete your collection with:

  • The Ultimate Book of Sharks
  • The Ultimate Book of African Animals
  • The Ultimate Book of Big Cats
  • The Ultimate Book of Reptiles

★ "Young biologists, thrilled with the photos and fun facts, will not want to put this one down. An excellent choice for browsing and research." —School Library Journal, starred review

ISBN 9781426375262 (Hardcover)
Published on Jun 10, 2025
Published by National Geographic Kids
Pages 192
Dimensions 9-1/8 x 11-7/8
Age Range 8-12 years
Grade Grades 3-7

ISBN 9781426375330 (Hardcover Library Binding)
Published on Jun 10, 2025
Published by National Geographic Kids
Pages 192
Dimensions 9-1/8 x 11-7/8
Age Range 8-12 years
Grade Grades 3-7

Brian Skerry

BRIAN SKERRY is a photojournalist specializing in marine wildlife and underwater environments. Since 1998 he has been a contract photographer for National Geographic magazine covering a wide range of subjects and stories. In 2014 he was named a National Geographic Photography Fellow. In 2015 Skerry was named a Nikon Ambassador, and in 2017 he received the National Geographic Photographer’s Photographer Award.

Stephanie Warren Drimmer

STEPHANIE WARREN DRIMMER is a longtime writer for National Geographic Kids magazine and has written several books for Nat Geo Kids, including Hey, Baby!; The Book of Heroines; Surprising Stories Behind Everyday Stuff; and Mastermind.

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The Ultimate Book of Whales

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