Review: Emi and the Rhino Scientist by Mary Kay Carson

Emi and the Rhino Scientist by Mary Kay Carson. A Scientists in the Field Book.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: October 2010
List Price: $8.99
ISBN-13: 9780547408507

Review: A group of people crowded around a tall woman with long hair. She was dressed in scrubs, like a surgeon, and stood next to a computer. Everyone moved in for a closer look when the woman pointed to the screen. On it was a fuzzy picture called a sonogram. The blurry black-and-white image was a baby still inside its mother. It wasn't yet ready to be born. So begins Mary Kay Carson's book, Emi and the Rhino Scientist, a Scientists in the Field book. Similar to other books in the series, Carson guides the readers on a journey - a journey of a rhino. Beginning with the sonogram images of Emi's calf, through to the death of Emi, Emi and the Rhino Scientist engages the reader in an enjoyable story that captures not only facts about the rhino population, but also the life and experiences of Emi, her mate, Ipuh, and the baby rhino, Andala, that "gave hope to everyone trying to save his species."

Emi and the Rhino Scientist begins by introducing Emi and Ipuh through a historical account of the rhinoceros. The account is thorough, but not overwhelming for the younger readers. It then continues into an explanation of the scientists' goals for impregnating Emi. It evidently was surprisingly more difficult than one might expect! The excitement that builds in the readers as Emi rides the roller coaster that has become her life is inspiring. A nearly 4-year project finally comes to an end. But that is not the end of the book or the story about rhinos. In fact, in some ways it is just the beginning as the book continues with a section on how science can be used to save a dwindling species. Andala's birth really does bring hope. Finally, the reader gets to become up close and personal with Andala as he grows up into a tough adult rhino. It's so amazing all that the Cincinnati Zoo is doing to help rhinos and repopulate the species. Readers will not be able to read Emi and the Rhino Scientist without going away touched in some way and with a deeper appreciation for rhinos. The Scientists in the Field books are always excellent, and Emi and the Rhino Scientist is certainly no exception.

Review written by Margo Nauert (6th grade teacher).

We would like to thank Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for providing a copy of Emi and the Rhino Scientist for this review.

Have you read Emi and the Rhino Scientist? How would you rate it?