Chin, Cherilyn. Dolphin’s Cry for Help. Tracy Nishimura Bishop, Illus. Lilly Lu to the Rescue. Lerner, 01/2025. 32pp. Fiction. PLB $30.65. 979-8765619667. Paper $9.99. 979-8765619803. GRADES 1–2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
SERIES REVIEW: This early chapter book series follows Lily Lu and her scientist mother as they travel to study wild animals. Each time her mother studies an animal, there’s a problem which the two end up helping with (and save an animal). This reviewer read two titles, one covering a trip to Florida to study dolphins and the other to Africa for penguins. In Florida they rescue a young calf caught in a fishing net, while in Africa they help clean oil-covered penguins after an oil spill. Each book includes an introduction to Lily and the animal being studied, four short chapters, and a few ending questions readers can use to reflect on what they just read. Color illustrations depict the animals, the trouble that arises, and the multi-ethnic humans (adults and kids) that help the animal. A useful introduction to wildlife rescues. Both the author and illustrator live in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library