A marvelously illustrated look at the life of the whale Whales are the majestic giants of the ocean, yet much of their world remains a mystery to us. The routes of their vast oceanic migrations are largely elusive, as are the intricacies of their behavior and social dynamics. This narrative biography takes you out beyond our shorelines and into the depths, providing an up-close exploration of the life of the whale. It covers everything from conception and childhood to family history, relationships, communication, and life challenges, and explains why studying whales helps us to monitor the health of our planet's oceans and marine ecosystems. Written by internationally acclaimed expert Asha de Vos, Whale: The Illustrated Biography blends engaging profiles of the best-known species with stunning illustrations to tell the story of these magnificent creatures in all their diversity and complexity. Features a wealth of specially commissioned illustrations Discusses familiar species such as the humpback whale, blue whale, killer whale, and sperm whale, as well as smaller and more elusive cousins Covers anatomy, hunting and feeding, migration, habitats, whale song, conservation, human interactions with whales, and much more Explains how whales play key roles in nutrient cycling, regulating prey populations, and influencing carbon sequestration A must-have reference for whale watchers everywhere.