The Disappearing Dolphins

The Disappearing Dolphins: Jennifer Kelman With Jordyn and Kyle Kelman

And illustrated by Michael Swaim

Warm sand, salt water, sunshine and swimming at the beach makes for a great day. Building a sandcastle and creating a structure can be a team effort. Jackie and Kevin were at the beach creating and building a sandcastle. While Jackie focused on the sandcastle Kevin’s attention was diverted towards the water and he spied something in the distance. Could he have seen a dolphin jumping up and down playing hide and seek? Excited and elated at seeing the dolphin he could not believe his eyes. Wanting to share the experience with his sister, his spirits were deflated when she said she saw nothing. Jackie was bent on building the sandcastle and became annoyed with Kevin thinking he was just playing silly games. Each time he saw the dolphins and alerted his sister to their presence, they seem to vanish or disappear.

Sometimes the unimaginable and amazing comes along and the next time Kevin saw the dolphins Jackie could not believe her eyes? What would they do with this newfound discovery? How would they get a closer look? How would they get to meet the dolphins?

Wait until you hear the clever plan they devised! Spotting a sailboat in the distance and hoping to ask the owner to take them to meet the dolphins was quite brave and ingenious. Smart, creative and resourceful they were able to get the owner to take them out there but not before adhering to the safety rules set out in order to make sure that in case of any problems that would be wearing lifejackets and know what to do. Snacks for the dolphins at hand and lifejackets in place they set out. An adventure you would like to learn more about and what happens when the meet the dolphins is up to you the reader as you turn the pages of this beautifully illustrated book and join in the fun along with Jackie and Kevin. Did the dolphins take the snacks? Did they wave their fins? Check out the pictures that makes the story come alive for young readers that are just beginning to read and non-readers that can understand the story by just following along with the pictures as someone reads the story to them. A great way to teach children water safety and about dolphins, swimming safety, working together, teamwork and family fun.

The Disappearing dolphins: The next time you visit the beach you just might see them too. But, think fast, look hard and they just might appear and then disappear right in front of your eyes. There are many issues that teachers and parents can elaborate on: never disbelieve in what you see, believe in yourself, not giving up, working with a sister or brother and loving the outdoors and nature. Great story and great pictures.

Fran Lewis: Reviewer