Eight Dolphins of Katrina: A True Tale of Survival

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