Dancing Dolphins
Lisa Rita
Austin Macauley (2021)
ISBN: 978-1528996747
Reviewed by Jill Rey for Reader Views (07/2024)
Flipper and his mum Phillipa are off to get food before their dance concert later that day when suddenly Flipper finds himself trapped in a shark net. Phillipa rushes to find Sally the Swordfish to use her nose to cut Flipper out. But she nearly doesn’t make it in time when Shawn the Shark stumbles upon his catch. Just as Shawn is about to feast, Sally Swordfish scares him off.
Despite the debacle, Flipper, Sally, and Phillipa make it to the concert that evening to celebrate Donald Dolphin’s return to the ocean after being so depressed from losing his partner that he beached himself. Reminding Donald that they can still find joy and that he is still surrounded by many that love him, they all drift off to sea-leep.
Author Lisa Rita shows kindness and love through her use of interesting sea creatures in “Dancing Dolphins.” From dolphins to crabs, sharks to swordfish, she alights children’s imaginations. With an octopus on the piano, swordfish on the violin, sea horses on the trumpets, crabs on the guitar, and dolphins dancing, the seafloor has never been more grooving. All the creatures are having fun, displaying their kindness, love, and friendship as they show Donald Dolphin the joy that can come from life. Despite the loss of his loved one, he has a community that loves him.
Rita shows joy amidst difficult scenarios in “Dancing Dolphins.” Reminding us of all life has to offer and the importance of friends. We dance right alongside Flipper and Phillipa as they put on a concert for the ages. Littered with fun illustrations and sea floor exuberance, “Dancing Dolphins” by Lisa Rita excites readers’ imaginations. Rita leaves us wondering about all the excitement these creatures are having under the water without us.
Derived from her own love for dancing and playing, Lisa Rita spreads her happiness and gifts to all who crack the pages of her reads. Get lost in the sea, feel the love of the various animals, and enjoy the fun that plays out at the bottom of the ocean as Flipper, and his friends entertain young readers with an enjoyable and endearing story within.