Aug. 11, 2009 - Recommendation: The Dolphin Series

     I want to recommend this series of books.... My daughter absolutely LOVES whales, dolphins, etc.... She is asking the Lord about her becoming a Marine Biologist for Him. So when I came across this series posted throughout paperbackswap.com, I thought I would try at least one. When the book came in, it took for less than two days to consume it! She was so excited about the book.... that is, after reading it, I went online and order the first five in the series. Just yesterday, I ordered the remaining of the books on PBS to make sure we had them on hand when she is ready for them.

     My daughter is not a reader by heart. I have to "force" her to pick up a book. I guess I was that way when I was growing, just because I did not have much time since I lived on a farm. But, I love reading now and have ever since I began to homeschool her. So when this series came along and sparked an interest within, I captured the moment to put her into a book with out having to force her. I will say this, if the book is about whales or dolphins, she will pick it up and read it. But there aren't many books that covers whales and dolphins for her age group. We do have an Animal Enclcopedia, that she has consumed. The three inch book is about ready to fall apart. I have caught her sleeping with this book... not because of some "issue" but because she feel asleep devouring the information of these animals. She also loves to draw them as well!!

     I wanted to share with you a wonderful series that the Lord brought my way over the summer!!

Dolphin Series written by Ben M. Baglio

This is a work of fiction. Great for ages 9-12.

     Dolphin Diaries takes place on a schooner, called the Dolphin Dreamer, in the ocean. The characters aboard are on a scientific expedition, though rather than learning anything new as the plot claims is their quest, the books repeat already largely known facts about dolphins. The idea behind the journey is to make stops at different ports where information on dolphins will be exchanged by the marine biologists and other scientists, establishing a "Dolphin Universe" in which dolphin-related information is exchanged freely. In this fanciful tale, all the characters have their own computers and the latest anything they need, from underwater speakers to tagging devices. They spend an ideal year travelling the world in their personal schooner in comfort and style, watching and interacting with dolphins. Dolphin Diaries features a crew of marine biologists and their assorted assistants.

1 : Into the Blue (2000)                             ISBN: 0439319471

Summary (From the publisher):

Jody can't believe her dolphin voyage has begun. A whole world of discoveries awaits her aboard The Dolphin Dreamer.

But an unexpected passenger threatens to spoil the trip of a lifetime. And when a sudden storm threatens to put Jody's life in danger, who can she turn to for help?

2 : Touching the Waves (2000)                 ISBN: 043931948X

Summary (From the publisher):

The McGraths are in Key West, Florida, visiting a very special dolphin center—with "dolphin teachers." Jody loves watching the dolphins at work.

But when one dolphin gets tangled in the netting, will Jody be able to free it?

3 : Riding the Storm (2000)                      ISBN: 0439319498

Summary (From the publisher):

The McGraths have arrived in the Bahamas. Jody can't wait to see some Atlantic spotted dolphins and maybe find out if the rumors about a lost treasure ship are really true.

But will a major tropical storm put her plans on hold?

4 : Under the Stars (2000)                        ISBN: 0439319501

Summary (From the publisher):

Jody is at Dolphin Haven in the Bahamas, where dolphins Bella, Misty, and Evie are about to give birth. Everyone is excited—but also worried. In the past, Evie's calves have died, and this may be her last chance to become a mother.

Will her calf survive?

5 : Chasing the Dream (2001)                  ISBN: 043931951X

Summary (From the publisher):

Jody has arrived in the Caribbean, and already she's made a new dolphin friend, Frida. But other dolphins there have been captured and taken to live in dirty, unhealthy conditions—just to entertain tourists! Jody is outraged.

Can she help will freedom for these dolphins?

6 : Racing the Wind (2001)                       ISBN: 0439319528

Summary (From the publisher):

Jody has arrived in the South American rain forest, desperate to see some botos—amazing, bubble-gum-pink river dolphins. She has heard that when the river floods the forest, these magical creatures can be seen swimming between the trees.

But botos are rare and difficult to track down. Will Jody's wish come true?

7 : Following the Rainbow (2001)             ISBN: 0439446147

Summary (From the publisher):

While visiting the Canary Islands, Jody is thrilled to see the largest dolphin species in the world! But all is not well in this island paradise. Jody discovers that the dolphins are at risk of being injured by speeding ferries that link the islands. Helping these dolphins might prove to be Jody's biggest challenge yet!

8 : Dancing the Seas (2001)          ISBN: 0439446155

Summary (From the publisher):

In the Marquesas Islands in Polynesia, Jody is delighted to spot a large, mixed group of spotted and spinner dolphins—especially one she names Twister. There, she meets Lew and Monique, who work for a local dolphin-friendly tuna boat. Jody witnesses them in action as they save dolphins. But when something goes wrong with Monique's breathing equipment at the last minute on a dive, will someone be able to save Twister from the boat's nets?

9 : Leaving the Shallows (2003)                ISBN: 0439446163

Summary (From the publisher):

After weeks at sea, Jody and her family have arrived at Hervey Bay, off the coast of Australia. There, Jody befriends a gorgeous pink-and-white dolphin named Dawn. Jody notices a neighborhood tourist operation isn't keeping the dolphins' interest in mind and, as a result, Dawn becomes ill. Will Jody be able to convince them to change their ways before it's too late?

10 : Beyond the Sunrise (2004)                 ISBN: 0439446171

Summary (From the publisher):

The McGraths have arrived in Sundarbans Delta, at the mouth of the great Ganges River. There, Jody hopes to see the rare and unusual Irrawaddy dolphins. Her wish comes true when at last she spots one, whom she names Sandhi. but her world is turned upside down when she learns there are poachers around, and Sandhi is missing. Does Sandhi have a secret hiding place, or has she been caught?