Dolphin Song
#2 of 4 in Animal Healer Series
on Goodreads (2,707)
What’s inside...
Just as Martine is settling into life on the wildlife game reserve, she is whisked away on a school trip. She must leave her white giraffe, Jemmy, for 2 weeks! Her class is going on an ocean voyage to witness the Sardine Run, a spectacular natural phenomenon, off the coast of South Africa. What begins as an exciting adventure quickly turns perilous when a storm blows up and Martine and her classmates are thrown overboard into shark-infested waters. They are saved by a pod of dolphins, only to end up marooned on a deserted island. The castaways, at odds with one another, must figure out not only how to survive, but how to help the dolphins when a terrible danger threatens them. In a gripping tale of courage, friendship and survival, Martine must use her healing gift and her wilderness training to save both humans and animals alike. The heart-pounding companion to the #1 Children’s Book, Martine, the child who rides the white giraffe, embarks on a second African adventure.
Character compass
Martine Allen
Ben
Discussion points
How do you think Martine felt when she found herself stranded with dolphins? What would you feel in that situation?
Why is teamwork important in the story, and can you think of a time when you had to work as a team?
What did Martine learn from her adventure at sea? Have you learned something important from an unexpected experience?
How do the dolphins communicate with Martine and the other characters? How do you communicate with your friends and family?
What role does the environment play in the story, and why is it important to protect it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Martine's situation, fostering empathy and understanding for the character's feelings and choices.
Discuss the importance of teamwork by relating it to your child’s experiences in school or in sports to make it more relatable.
Help your child connect the lessons learned by Martine to their own life, emphasizing personal growth and learning from experiences.
Explore the concept of communication by discussing different ways living beings express themselves and the importance of understanding each other.
Highlight the environmental message of the book, discussing ways to protect nature and why it matters, tying it back to the story’s setting and events.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'Dolphin Song', the characters learn to understand and care for dolphins, which are stranded. This empathy extends to working together with others from different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of caring for animals and people alike, understanding different perspectives, and collaborating with diverse groups.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist, along with other children, faces numerous challenges at sea and learns to navigate them creatively and with determination.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to persist in solving daily problems and inspires creative thinking during difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The storyline emphasizes the beauty and importance of the natural world, with a particular focus on marine life and ecosystems.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to appreciate and advocate for the environment, promoting activities like recycling, conservation, and respectful wildlife interactions.
Example Lesson: Leadership and Initiative
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the young characters step up to lead and make critical decisions, demonstrating initiative in a crisis.
Real-World Application: This lesson promotes leadership qualities in children, encouraging them to take initiative in school projects or family responsibilities.
Example Lesson: The Power of Teamwork
Explanation: The children in the story must work together to survive and rescue the dolphins, showing how teamwork can achieve goals that seem impossible for individuals alone.
Real-World Application: This highlights the importance of collaboration and support among peers at school or in sports teams.