Grade 3-6-A recounting of the rescue and rehabilitation of a female gray whale calf, separated from her mother and discovered, hungry and exhausted, rolling helplessly in the gentle surf at Marina del Rey beach in California. Whisked to SeaWorld in San Diego, the young whale was named J.J. and given professional, loving care for the next 12 months. She thrived, growing prodigiously and learning to "hunt" for food placed on the floor of her tank by her caretakers as they prepared her for a return to the sea. The story of J.J. ends with her last transmitted signal showing her to be heading north on the proper migratory route for her species. This well-researched, readable book is full of information on whale care and gray whale behaviors and lifestyle. Bright, full-color photos show J.J., her treatment and development, and her final release. A heartwarming story with an excellent scientific focus.
Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
Arnold and Hewett (Stories in Stone, 1996, etc.) record the harrowing rescue of a baby gray whale who had become separated from her mother off the coast of California. She was discovered on January 10, 1997, exhausted, hungry, and near death. J.J. was 14 feet long when she was brought to SeaWorld as a young calf. Gaining 900 pounds in the first month, she had to be moved to a new home by crane. Her caretakers started planning on giving J.J. skills so that she could be released and survive on her own in the ocean. Divers put her food on the bottom of the pool, each day in a different location, so she could practice searching. Arnold is relaxed in her telling, allowing the already dramatic events to unfold naturally: ``Everyone cheered as J.J. took a big breath, dove deep, and disappeared. The young whale was on her own.'' Full-color photos capture the excitement of J.J.'s release, but also the hard work of preparing her for her return to the sea. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-9) -- Copyright ©1999, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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