Eight Dolphins of Katrina: A True Tale of Survival

This story of the rescue of eight dolphins off the coast of Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina underscores the bonds between dolphins and their trainers, as well as those among dolphins themselves. After a 40-foot tidal wave destroys the dolphin pool at the Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport, eight dolphins disappear, presumably washed into the Gulf of Mexico. Via helicopter and boat, the trainers set out to search for the dolphins, who were raised in captivity and thus unaccustomed to feeding or protecting themselves. Laced with dialogue that accentuates the trainers' affection for the dolphins and sense of urgency, Coleman's (Secrets, Lies, Gizmos, and Spies) clipped narrative recounts the rescue of all eight, who had remained together, close to shore. Spare yet theatric, the late Nascimbene's (Crouching Tiger) dappled watercolors have a lovely silk-screened quality, contrasting the destructive force of the hurricane and the tranquility that arrives in its wake. The recounting of events is quite brief; the book's second half consists of illustrated notes on other real-life dolphin feats and a scrapbook-style section of captioned photos about the dolphins and their rescue. Ages 6-9. (Aug.)

Gr 2-5--This account of the loss and rescue of eight dolphins from a destroyed tank at the Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport, Mississippi, during Hurricane Katrina will intrigue readers. The animals were brought up in captivity and were unable to feed themselves in the wild, so the frantic trainers secured a helicopter and boat in the chaotic aftermath of the storm and locate the missing animals. Then after more days of training and preparation, the dolphins were recaptured from the open water and taken to their new pool. Following the lead story are four brief examples of dolphins saving people or other animals from certain death. The lovely impressionistic watercolor and ink illustrations are crisp against generous white borders, effectively capturing the frenzied storm preparations and recapture. Rounding out the book is a photographic look at the actual oceanarium, the animals, their rescue, and the aftereffects of the hurricane. Animal lovers will empathize as they follow the trainers' worries and ultimate elation. A heartening, real-life rescue story.--Carol S. Surges, formerly at Longfellow Middle School, Wauwatosa, WI