Leopard & Silkie

September 1, 2012

K-Gr 3-Leopard, a golden, spotted seal pup, was born in the Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest. Here trained volunteers, including young Miles, a volunteer for Seal Sitters, patrol the area and educate beachcombers about how to enjoy their outing without endangering the wildlife. With sharp, clear full-color photos on every page and a simple text, Lindsey and Peterson explain the dangers to the seal pup that people and their dogs present, the most serious of which is the likelihood that a mother will not attempt to return to her baby if people linger close by, thus dooming her young. They also show the effect baby seals have on one another. Silkie, an older pup, comes on the scene when Leopard is being weaned. An author's note offers more information about the reasons for supporting Seal Sitting and a bibliography of a few titles of interest to slightly older children. Use this book to show a program in which children are actively involved and to encourage volunteerism.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 1, 2012
Grades K-3 When spotted-seal pup Leopard is born, he weighs a little more than a bowling ball and is shorter than a skateboard. Aww. Because he's bitty, Leopard can't swim for long stretches of time and rests up on shore. That's where the Seal Sitters come in. While Leopard's mother is off in the water, human volunteers, including kids, take turns ensuring that the pup is protected from crowds and dogs. One young volunteer, Miles, even creates a floating island for Leopard and his mother out of plywood and foam to keep them away from curious onlookers. When Leopard is weaned from his mother, he grows thinner, but older seal pup Silkie becomes like a big sister and teaches Leopard how to fish, and he becomes healthy again. Although photos of the adorable seal pups steal this nicely designed picture book, kids will likely find Milessomeone who is much like themto be inspiring, and his efforts may spark an interest in animal rights. An author's note about Seal Sitters concludes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)