The ancestors of the elephant once roamed across much of the planet, but today, only two species survive: the African elephant and the Asian elephant. In this colorful introduction, young readers learn about the physical attributes and life history of the largest land mammal on Earth. With a massive body and huge ears that serve as built-in air-conditioning, a six-foot-long trunk with "fingers" that help it forage for food and water, tough, protective skin and outsized tusks used as tools and weapons, the elephant is a force to be reckoned with. Just as fascinating is the elephant's complex social structure. While adult males make their own way, the herd's oldest female nurtures and protects her extended family with the assistance of the other females. Guiding family members on lengthy migrations to find food and water, she teaches them life skills, organizes search parties for lost members and defends against hostile approaches. Together, the family forages and plays, welcomes new life, builds and maintains relationships and mourns its dead. In Exploring the World of Elephants, young readers also discover the value of ensuring that these intelligent, engaging mammals don't suffer the fate of their ancestors. The Exploring the World of... nature series was created for young readers who are eager to learn more about the wild creatures of the world. Each title contains beautiful photographs of the animals in their natural habitats and the highly readable text explores their daily lives and physical characteristics, how they make their homes, how they raise their young and what they eat. AGES: 8 to 12 AUTHOR: Tracy C. Read is an editor and writer with a special interest in nature and the environment.