Synopsis
John Denver's poignant lyrics of the birth of a dolphin are both a lullaby and a paean to "dolphin kind," as adapted in this gorgeous picture book. Denver embraces the unique, almost mystical quality of a baby dolphin as "giving hope to life as all we must." Hardback edition includes the musical score and a CD of John Denver singing this beautiful song.
Seth Berg - Children's Literature
The lyrics of this John Denver song are illustrated with one to three short lines for every double page illustration. The story/song celebrates the birth of a baby dolphin in a strained poetic style with lines such as, "Giving hope to life as all we must, and teach us how their grace to share." Although this is part of a "Nature" book series, there is a lot of artistic license taken with the science—including the new-born dolphin leaping high out of the water for its first breath. The murky blue artwork resembles a tasteless new-age bedspread print and might appeal to young infants who like any depiction of ocean life. The book ends with a biography explaining John Denver's Dolphin experiences, and sheet music for the song. It is "A Sharing Nature With Children Book." 2004, Dawn Publications, Ages 3 to 6.