The Dolphins of Shark Bay

Reach for this book when your child starts asking deep questions about what animals are thinking or how we can protect the planet. It is the perfect choice for a pre-teen who has outgrown simple picture books and is ready for a real-world look at the grit and patience required for scientific discovery. The narrative follows a team of researchers in Australia as they decode the complex social lives and tool-using behaviors of wild dolphins. Beyond just animal facts, this book explores the concept of intelligence and the ethical responsibilities humans have toward other sentient beings. It fosters a sense of wonder for the natural world while introducing the rigors of the scientific method in an accessible way. It is ideal for 10-14 year olds who are developing their own analytical skills and enjoy seeing how small observations lead to big breakthroughs.