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by Deborah Tobin                                                                                               Illustrated by Jeffrey C. Domm                                                                              Nimbus Publishing - 32 pages                                  Hardcover                                                                                                                Cost: $12.95                                                                                                              ISBN 1-55109-259-X

reviewed by Ronnie Scullion

The allure and wonder of this rare whale immediately captivates the
young reader audience the book is intended for. The writing is didactic rather than literary, but accomplishes what it sets out to do: increase awareness of an endangered species and spotlight the people who work to protect these creatures in the wild-the "Natural Heroes". The bay referred to in the title is the Bay of Fundy, making it a particularly relevant book for Nova Scotian children.

The story begins with a small white plane flying over the bay in search of the rare North Atlantic right whales. Dolphins and porpoises are easily sighted. The two whale conservationists aboard the plane are there to locate and count the number of right whales feeding in the bay. This information is passed on to the Coast Guard who relays it to ships in the vicinity, warning them to steer clear of the giant sea creatures.

The drama immediately heightens as an urgent message is received on the plane's radio of a young whale tangled up in fishing gear. Jack and his partner quickly change course, steering a path to the fisherman's boat from where the whale was spotted.

From above they see a mother right whale circling close to her baby who is thrashing and struggling, trying to free himself from the gear.

Disentangling these large animals is a difficult and dangerous
undertaking. The Coast Guard is contacted and experienced whale rescuers David and Stormy will have to be flown in. Every hour of waiting puts the young whale at greater risk.

Deborah Tobin tells the story of these giant sea creatures in a
matter-of-fact way. No emotional strings are pulled: a whale is in trouble and a smooth running network of people, boat and plane operators work together to expediently bring the whale rescuers to the scene.

Jeffrey Domm's accompanying illustrations are both attractive and
studied. The whales are depicted from above, as seen from the plane, and from the water. His rich use of colour takes one from the calm and clear waters.

Conservation of endangered animals and plants have become a topical concern for many young people. Students are more environmentally informed, in part because of books such as this one that educates youngsters about the plight of a specific species. Not only does it inform about the endangered Right Whale, but also the "Natural Heroes" working to improve the species' chances of survival.

Future conservationists and environmentalists will enjoy the firsthand
account of a rescue and the accompanying information included at the end of the book about the North Atlantic right whale and the Whale Rescue Team.

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