Review of Orcas Forever
Posted: 13 Jul 2023, 11:47
[Following is a volunteer review of "Orcas Forever" by Marie-Paule Mahoney.]
Orcas Forever is a beautiful documentary about the lives of orcas by Marie-Paule Mahony. It is a factual enumeration of the general life of the orcas, which has been negatively affected due to human intervention. The author has beautifully documented the closely watched happenings in the orca family groups called pods.
Using the descriptions of the struggles for survival of three such pods, the author sensitises readers about how humans have slowly but definitely encroached into their territory. These human activities have made their basic survival very difficult, resulting in their numbers falling by about 70%.
The fish, a Chinook salmon, is their favourite food. She has documented how they move from one location to another in search of this fish and how they must keep swimming to keep their bodies warm. The super-reunion celebration and details about echolocation and whistles to call each other were some interesting details. There is a sweet and detailed description of the greeting ceremony. The two oldest matriarchs, Sequim and Lea, hunt and provide food to the younger orcas and ensure their safety. There is a touching incident that is described well enough for kids. While on their journey in search of food, a mother gives birth and is responsible for caring for the newborn for the following two years. She has described how the matriarchs are always around, like elders in a family. There are many more facts and emotions packed in this little book.
The book is great and very informative for young kids. The good part is that it gives them enough factual information in just a few words. The bibliography can be used to explore more about the orcas.
I cannot point out any negatives with this one, as the storyline is perfectly illustrated and will keep younger kids engaged. It has enough factual information to encourage older kids to look up the internet for more, yet it is good and informative enough for adults as well.
I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars as the author has subtly touched on the serious concern about human intervention adversely affecting the orca numbers through this little peek into their lives. All the images make the entire narrative come alive, thanks to the superb work of Ginger Triplett. The editing is flawless, and there are no spelling or grammatical errors either.
Although Orcas Forever is mainly written for young children, I would recommend it to all age groups.
******
Orcas Forever
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Orcas Forever is a beautiful documentary about the lives of orcas by Marie-Paule Mahony. It is a factual enumeration of the general life of the orcas, which has been negatively affected due to human intervention. The author has beautifully documented the closely watched happenings in the orca family groups called pods.
Using the descriptions of the struggles for survival of three such pods, the author sensitises readers about how humans have slowly but definitely encroached into their territory. These human activities have made their basic survival very difficult, resulting in their numbers falling by about 70%.
The fish, a Chinook salmon, is their favourite food. She has documented how they move from one location to another in search of this fish and how they must keep swimming to keep their bodies warm. The super-reunion celebration and details about echolocation and whistles to call each other were some interesting details. There is a sweet and detailed description of the greeting ceremony. The two oldest matriarchs, Sequim and Lea, hunt and provide food to the younger orcas and ensure their safety. There is a touching incident that is described well enough for kids. While on their journey in search of food, a mother gives birth and is responsible for caring for the newborn for the following two years. She has described how the matriarchs are always around, like elders in a family. There are many more facts and emotions packed in this little book.
The book is great and very informative for young kids. The good part is that it gives them enough factual information in just a few words. The bibliography can be used to explore more about the orcas.
I cannot point out any negatives with this one, as the storyline is perfectly illustrated and will keep younger kids engaged. It has enough factual information to encourage older kids to look up the internet for more, yet it is good and informative enough for adults as well.
I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars as the author has subtly touched on the serious concern about human intervention adversely affecting the orca numbers through this little peek into their lives. All the images make the entire narrative come alive, thanks to the superb work of Ginger Triplett. The editing is flawless, and there are no spelling or grammatical errors either.
Although Orcas Forever is mainly written for young children, I would recommend it to all age groups.
******
Orcas Forever
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon