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Down in the deep ocean, a young
dolphin explores the beauty of the kelp forest and also discovers it has
dangers.
In many places, the ocean floor harbors
forests of kelp, which are home to many creatures, both large and small,
including Dolphin. As the kelp dips and sways, Dolphin dances with a shoal of
sardines. As the sea swells, the kelp ripples and Dolphin plays with sea lions.
When the sea becomes stormy and rough, the kelp forest twists and corkscrews
around everything in it. Although it is a sheltering place for many, from the
diminutive sardines through tuna to a blue whale, predators have learned to
hunt in the kelp forest for their sustenance. When Dolphin happens upon a great
white shark and then an orca, he must struggle to survive. MacCarthy’s text is
delightfully alliterative and onomatopoeic: “the giant kelp / twirls and
twists, twirls and twists”; “zig zag zig zag / Dolphin dances for his life in
the deep, dark kelp forest.” The powerful use of verbs adds to the drama of
underwater sea life and will keep readers turning the pages. Her swirling
paintings modulate in palette to suit the mood. The book ends with a fun
challenge to young readers: Can you turn back and find the 36 sea creatures
mentioned in the story? Each creature here is clearly labeled and identified as
inhabiting California’s kelp forests.
An exciting marine adventure just
right for reading aloud. (Picture book.
3-6)
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