Smooth flippers paddle ... Large snout wiggles ... Meet the manatee! Brimming with vivid photos and scientific facts, this middle-grade nonfiction book treats researchers and sea animal lovers to a comprehensive profile of these mellow marine mammals. It covers zoology topics such as anatomy, diet, habitat, and life cycle, as well as species conservation efforts and the aquatic animals' relationship with humans throughout history. Sidebars, a range map, and a glossary support the main text, while a Portuguese legend about the manatee adds a cross-curricular cultural layer to the title.