While learning these things, the calf must also know
how to act quickly when danger threatens.
Predators of the deep are not the only danger. The
threat posed to all marine life by humans is something they can’t swim away
from. Dumped building materials from houses built by the sea steal the sun when
they get washed into the water.
Fast speed boats in shallow waters pose different
threats. Fish nets are traps for mother Dugongs whose babies die without their
protection.
Dugong
Magic subtly calls
attention to the harm inflicted on sea creatures while it shares an intimate
picture of the life and habits of Dugongs. Purposely thought-provoking in its
approach, it stirs the conscience and serves to impresses on younger
generations, the importance of caring for our environment.
Gifted and word perfect, Deborah Kelly’s passion
for marine biology shines in her work. She uses story-telling as a conduit for
strong messages about the responsibility we all have, regardless of age, to
respect and protect all living things wherever they are found.
Lisa Stewart’s delicate images form like a whisper
on page after page, while a complete page of Dugong Facts is sure to stimulate
thought in the future caretakers of our world.
Other Deborah Kelly picture books include The Bouncing Ball, Jam for Nana and Dinosaur Disco. But it is The Thing About
Oliver, a CBCA 2020 Notable, and her first book for older readers that is
spellbinding! It reveals the tremendous talent and versatility this writer has
and gives us a taste of things to come.
Title:
Dugong Magic
Author:
Deborah Kelly
Illustrator:
Lisa Stewart
Publisher:
Hachette, $15.99
Publication
Date: March 2020
Format:
Paperback
ISBN:
9780734419965
For
ages: 5+
Type:
Picture Book
