“It’s true – there are very few Maui’s dolphins left – and every one matters.”
The Last of Maui’s Dolphins written by Maria Gill and illustrated by Bruce Potter, is a short storybook about the plight of the Maui’s dolphins and it includes some information about some of the threats to the species.
I’m liking
The text is all straightforward and easy-to-read, and includes a reasonable amount of dialogue which is beneficial to those parents particularly gifted at giving characters their own voice. The story features a variety of appealing characters who are engaging, and children will enjoy identifying them. It’s clear the author is passionate about our uniquely NZ wildlife and the emphasis that needs to be placed on their preservation.
There are lots of points for discussion when you read a book like this – a personified dolphin called Hiriwa goes towards the ‘dark shapes’ that have taken a number of his friends of various species. This story has a happy ending, but of course that isn’t the case for every Maui’s dolphin, and that is the point of the book. The last couple of pages include some educational information for children who wish to know more about what has happened to the species, some calls to action and sites to look up for more detail.
Bruce Potter’s illustrations are depictions of a fascinating underwater world – all as if they appear through a soft lens with the light flashing through the water.
Things that made me go hmmmm
This is one of those stories where it’s hard to separate the fiction from the non-fiction and I think I would need to explain that to my child as his understanding about these things develop. That being said, it is of course important to gain a proper perspective on the importance of our endangered species while there is time left to preserve them, and in that sense this book serves a purpose.
The conclusion
If you have a child who is interested in New Zealand’s natural history and endangered species, then they will enjoy this picture book and exploring the further information provided. It would best suit those in the 4-7 year old category.
The Last of Maui’s Dolphins is published by New Holland and has an RRP of $19.99.
