Adventures of Riley: Dolphins in Danger

By Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz
Eaglemont Press (2005)
ISBN 0974841110
Reviewed by Cindy Lynn Jacobs for Reader Views (8/06)

In “Adventures for Riley: Dolphins in Danger,” I traveled with Riley to the island of Moorea to study the spinner dolphins. We discovered that the island was surrounded by a lagoon and that the lagoon is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean! The spinner dolphins like to play in the lagoon, but head out into the ocean at night to find food.

One day, as we observed a familiar group of dolphins, our host Dr. Michael Poole (a American marine biologist) noticed something wasn’t quite right. “‘That’s odd,’ said Dr. Poole, shaking his head. ‘They should have gone into the open ocean to feed last night and then returned to another part of the lagoon today. Something is definitely wrong.’”
After further study (and Riley’s dangerous surfing experience) Dr. Poole concluded that the dolphins were trapped in the lagoon and would starve if they couldn’t find a way back to the ocean. Aunt Martha suggested a creative way to help save the trapped mammals. Soon we were working together with the islanders in an attempt to save the dolphins.

McIntyre’s vivid artwork, blended with actual photographs of animals, bring Lumry and Hurwitz’s story to life. Readers enjoy learning all about the spinner dolphins through Riley’s adventure, as well as other interesting facts about ocean life. An underwater exploration reveals the manta ray and parrot fish, along with a few other interesting creatures.

“Adventures of Riley: Dolphins in Danger” is a great learning tool for teachers, librarians and conservationists, but can just as easily be used as simple entertainment for any child. The book offers a passport with a sticker to help commemorate the reader’s visit to Moorea. Other great additions to the book include a glossary (including such words as nocturnal and endemic) and an invitation to join Riley’s World Membership Kit. Proceeds from book sales benefit the Wildlife Conservation Society and the World Wildlife Fund. Riley also has his own Web site located at www.adventuresofriley.com.

“Adventures of Riley: Dolphins in Danger” is an Honors National Parenting Publication Award Winner and a USA Book News Winner. I highly recommend this book for both its entertainment and educational value.

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