Based on a the true story of a mammal rescue, The Orphan Seal sheds light on the events brought about by a springtime storm on the coast of Maine. This nonfiction book is an in-depth look into those events.
Howler, a harbor seal pup so named for the sound of his voice, is separated from his mother in a violent storm. His journey leaves him stranded on a New England coast. With the help of the Seal Rescue Program at the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts, veterinarians and technicians nurse Howler back to health and teach him the life skills necessary for survival in the ocean.
Hodgkins writes in an engaging style that brings these factual events to life for the reader. She explores every step of this fascinating process and introduces the reader to terms and concepts that may be unfamiliar. Her detailed portrayal of this historical account is guaranteed to hold the interest of her intended audience. Not only is The Orphan Seal an excellent read-aloud choice for young readers, but it also stands as a strong candidate for supplemental reading in any older reader's educational curriculum. Parents and teachers are sure to appreciate the terminology glossary included at the end of the book.
The illustrator, Dawn Peterson, works in translucent watercolors, featured on the right side of each page spread. This intentional design gives the reader an overview of the story elements without creating a distraction from the text. To her credit, Peterson creates a tranquil backdrop for reader discovery with her choice of light and clear tones. Other illustrated works include Mabel Takes The Ferry, Mabel Takes A Sail, Baxter Bear And Moses Moose, L.L. Bear's Island Adventure, and Ellis Bear And The Fly-Away Fly. Her home is in Falmouth, Maine.
Fran Hodgkins's The Orphan Seal will not disappoint. Other books in her collection include Animals Among Us: Living With Suburban Wildlife, Dental Hygienists (Community Helpers), and Pilots (Community Helpers). Her articles have appeared in several magazines, one of which won her the EdPress Award in 1999. She lives in Lynn, Massachusetts.
