Böcker av Marie-Paule Mahoney

Orcas Forever is the dramatized story of a true-life event. It opens a window into the hidden lives of the three Southern Resident orca pods that inhabit the waters called the Salish Sea between the northwest coast of the United States, and the southwest coast of Canada.The story invites young readers to follow the orcas' daily activities as they prepare to gather for a special celebration. They will learn about the sophisticated ways these orcas communicate, the importance of their strong family ties, and their unique culture playing out beneath the waves. Readers will witness the resilience of the orcas in the face of adversity and how the Southern Residents enjoy life despite a never-ending struggle with hunger.The Afterword presents information about orcas in general and the specific culture of the Southern Residents. It highlights the threats that the nearly extinct orcas confront from human interference and how these threats are linked to some of our environmental problems.

On a radiant summer day in 2018, an orca named Tahlequah gave birth to a female calf off the coast of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. The calf was emaciated, lacking enough blubber to stay afloat, and she only lived for 30 minutes. Tahlequah placed the baby on her head, and with the members of her pod, she swam for 17 days, covering 1,000 miles before releasing her into the sea.   Whale of Wonder is the dramatized story of this true-life odyssey, told through a dialogue between the mother orca and her curious son, who keeps asking, “Why, Mama?” Young readers will discover how Tahlequah expresses her maternal love, her grief, and slowly overcomes her loss to celebrate life again. This unique story opens a window to the majestic orcas and their complex emotional lives.   The Afterword presents information about orcas in general and the specific culture of the Southern Residents. It unveils Tahlequah’s life with the members of her pod in the Salish Sea, emphasizing the plight these orcas—close to extinction—are facing.