Based on true events, Dolphin SOS recounts the story of three dolphins trapped in an icecovered cove off the coast of Newfoundland. After the government fails to provide assistance, local children take matters into their owns hands in order to save the distressed dolphins.
"A dramatic dolphin rescue tale told by a young eyewitness named Nicole...Based on an actual incident in Newfoundland in 2009, this life-and-death story will resonate with readers as much as it did with the western Canadian writers and illustrator who gave it a new life...Nicole’s storytelling is straightforward. The spare text is set in a sea of whites and grays, a stark reminder of this moving rescue’s chilly setting. Flett’s equally spare illustrations show stylized figures. Spots of color break up the black-and-white patterns in these digitally combined collages. Notes about white-beaked dolphins and the actual incident are appended. Distress gives way to relief in this you-are-there tale for young readers and listeners who enjoy real-life animal encounters."
– Kirkus Reviews
"A beautiful book...It is a story of compassion, endurance, and a special brief moment when humans and animals connect. Everything about this book is done with elegant simplicity...Flett’s art work is exquisite, using mainly black and white to portray the landscape with a bit of colour...Highly recommended for both school and public libraries...The story can be shared at story time and also with individual readers. It could be included in lesson plans concern ing marine wildlife and ocean stewardship."
– Resource Links
"Worded clearly and hauntingly, the drama that plays out in the water and in the hearts of the people will pull at heart strings. Striking, strong black, white, and gray-toned watercolor and collage art portrays the cold climate that the dolphins and rescuers endured. Little color is used except on Aaron, who stands out in his red survival suit. The happy ending will delight children after they witness how these animals were almost lost to the elements."
– School Library Journal
"We share Nicole’s concern, empathy with the dolphins, and satisfaction at the end. Flett presents flat patches of black and grays on white for the stark icy winter landscape, plus patterns on walls and clothing interspersed. Touches of other colors, such as the red of Aaron’s wet suit, stand out in contrast."
– Children's Literature
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens | 2015 | Commended
Sigurd F. Olson Nature Writing Award (SONWA) - Children, Notable book | 2015 | Commended
BC and Yukon Book Prizes - Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize | 2015 | Winner
Canadian Library Association (CLA) Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award | 2015 | Runner-up
Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award | 2015 | Runner-up
Alcuin Book Design Awards | 2015 | Short-listed
BC and Yukon Book Prizes - Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize | 2015 | Winner
Surrey Schools' Picture Book of the Year | 2016 | Nominated
Bank Street College of Education Children's Book Committee Best Children's Books of the Year | 2014 | Commended
