This handbook is an extensive information center for different mammals of the ocean including dolphins, whales, and porpoises. This book is all about the appearance, history, migration/distribution, and description of the many mammal species. Inside the book are many pictures; 70 full color paintings are included as well as130 black and white photographs which is extremely appealing. For anybody who finds dolphins, whales, and porpoises facinating this is the perfect book for them. I didn't love the book but I would definitely refer it or read it completely. This is exactly what I would read when if I was bored. Because this is what I want to study more in college so this book is very exciting for me. The combined average of the reading test was 10.6 so this is more for a high school student. The first paragraph was 6.2 (okay for a middle school student), the second paragraph was 11.1 (this paragraphy is more for a junior or senior in high school), and the third paragraph was 14.4( this is definitely more for a college student). The appropriate audience for this book would be marine biologists or people who find these animals facinating or find marine animals interesting.