Manatee Rescue

Manatee Rescue tells the story of Manuela, a young girl whose perspective on manatee hunting shifts dramatically after her father harpoons one, leaving a baby orphaned. Driven by newfound empathy, Manuela embarks on a challenging and dangerous mission to rescue the baby manatee and ensure its future safety. This chapter book blends a thrilling adventure with a strong conservation message, exploring themes of empathy, perseverance, and standing up for what you believe in. It is suitable for children aged 7-10 for independent reading, or as a read-aloud for younger children aged 4-6, sparking important discussions about wildlife protection and personal values.

Zoologist Nicola Davies merges a heart-pounding adventure with a conservation message triggered by a life-changing—and mind-changing—encounter. Manuela had imagined that killing a manatee would be like killing a very big fish, just more exciting. But when her father successfully harpoons one, leaving its baby orphaned, she finds that her feelings have changed. She vows to rescue the baby manatee and return it to the river. But she soon realizes what an enormous task she’s taken on. Will she be able to save the baby manatee—and protect him from being hunted in the future, too?