Kids into books: Call of the Selkie

Author: Jean Bennett

Illustrator: Shawn Shea

Publisher: Shortland Publications, $10.95

Age group: 9 - 13 years


She flapped and whacked her splayed hind flippers on a flat rock. Ripples spread down the sleek length of her body. Her huge dark eyes bulged and spiky whiskers drooped from beneath her nose.

Ryan squinted as a dark, shiny lump slid from underneath the seal. The animal groaned and hitched itself forward, shedding more of the glistening mass. The steaming bundle flopped onto the rock, lay still for a moment, then twitched.

The seal gave a hoarse cry, turned her head towards the object and began licking away the glossy covering. Ryan watched in amazement as the bundle moved and raised a small head. It was a baby seal, a pup.

The pup lay there for a moment, it's head turning from side to side in bewilderment. Then, guided by instinct, it moved awkwardly on its flippers to the shadowy bulk of its mother. The pup pushed and nuzzled its snout into its mother's side, and milk began trickling from the corners of the pup's mouth.


Tomorrow: Ryan protects his secret.