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Heroes of the Wild
Manatee Rescue
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?
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?
112 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2013
6 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Nicola Davies
171 books184 followers"I was very small when I saw my first dolphin," says zoologist Nicola Davies, recalling a seminal visit with her father to a dolphin show at the zoo. Enchanted at the sight of what she called the "big fish" jumping so high and swimming so fast, she determined right then that she would meet the amazing creatures again "in the wild, where they belonged." And indeed she did--as part of a pair of scientific expeditions, one to Newfoundland at the age of eighteen and another to the Indian Ocean a year later. In WILD ABOUT DOLPHINS, Nicola Davies describes her voyages in a firsthand account filled with fascinating facts and captivating photographs of seven species of dolphins in action.
Nicola Davies's seemingly boundless enthusiasm for studying animals of all kinds has led her around the world--and fortunately for young readers, she is just as excited about sharing her interests through picture books. The zoologist's latest offering puts a decidedly quirky twist on her years of experience: POOP: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UNMENTIONABLE is a fun, fact-filled guide to the fascinating world of poop across species. "As a zoologist, you are never far from poop!" the writer explains. "I've baked goose poop in an oven with my dinner, looked at bat poop under the microscope, and had my T-shirt stained pink with blue-whale poop. I was obviously fated to write this book."
The exceptional combination of Nicola Davies's zoological expertise and her first-rate children's writing is apparent in her remarkable catalog of award-winning titles. Her first book with Candlewick Press, BIG BLUE WHALE, was hailed by American Bookseller as an "artfully composed study" offering "language exactly appropriate for four- to seven-year-olds and precisely the right amount of information." In ONE TINY TURTLE, Nicola Davies's clear, compelling narrative follows the life of the rarely seen loggerhead turtle, which swims the oceans for thirty years and for thousands of miles in search of food, only to return, uncannily, to lay her eggs on the very beach where she was born. The author's next book, BAT LOVES THE NIGHT, is a tenderly written ode to a much-misunderstood flying mammal, the pipistrelle bat, while SURPRISING SHARKS--winner of a BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Honor Award--contains unexpected facts about another one of the planet's most infamous animals.
When she is not off on scientific expeditions, Nicola Davies lives in a cottage in Somerset, England, where she is lucky enough to have pipistrelle bats nesting in her roof.
Nicola Davies's seemingly boundless enthusiasm for studying animals of all kinds has led her around the world--and fortunately for young readers, she is just as excited about sharing her interests through picture books. The zoologist's latest offering puts a decidedly quirky twist on her years of experience: POOP: A NATURAL HISTORY OF THE UNMENTIONABLE is a fun, fact-filled guide to the fascinating world of poop across species. "As a zoologist, you are never far from poop!" the writer explains. "I've baked goose poop in an oven with my dinner, looked at bat poop under the microscope, and had my T-shirt stained pink with blue-whale poop. I was obviously fated to write this book."
The exceptional combination of Nicola Davies's zoological expertise and her first-rate children's writing is apparent in her remarkable catalog of award-winning titles. Her first book with Candlewick Press, BIG BLUE WHALE, was hailed by American Bookseller as an "artfully composed study" offering "language exactly appropriate for four- to seven-year-olds and precisely the right amount of information." In ONE TINY TURTLE, Nicola Davies's clear, compelling narrative follows the life of the rarely seen loggerhead turtle, which swims the oceans for thirty years and for thousands of miles in search of food, only to return, uncannily, to lay her eggs on the very beach where she was born. The author's next book, BAT LOVES THE NIGHT, is a tenderly written ode to a much-misunderstood flying mammal, the pipistrelle bat, while SURPRISING SHARKS--winner of a BOSTON GLOBE-HORN BOOK Honor Award--contains unexpected facts about another one of the planet's most infamous animals.
When she is not off on scientific expeditions, Nicola Davies lives in a cottage in Somerset, England, where she is lucky enough to have pipistrelle bats nesting in her roof.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 8, 2022
My manatee loving heart had a hard time with the beginning of this book, but it had to be told to get to the big picture of the story. I really enjoyed this read and learning about manatees in another culture.
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July 23, 2016I was surprised by the author on this one. I am familiar with her picture books and wondered how she would handle a chapter book. I was a little worried about a white author writing about a rural population in Colombia. And then it’s about conservation which can be contentious with poor, rural people. I wasn’t sure if it would read like someone denigrating the people trying to survive or imposing white values on a society that sees the world differently. I would love to hear someone who has a better sense of these things chime in, but I thought Davies did a fine job telling the story.
The writing was good and the story well told. She tackles the idea that the people are poor and reliant on the land, but that they would have reasons to want to join conservation movements. The story is actually based partially on a true story and a real manatee conservation organization. Airuwe is a real manatee who was rescued. I think that lends the story some authenticity that might have otherwise been hard to capture. Davies never made the people seem backwards or ignorant. She didn’t dwell on their poverty. While Manuela cares for the manatee baby she is watched by her village. She respectfully tries to teach them about why they might want to save Airuwe and manatees in general. Moreover, most of the villagers come to the conclusion that they shouldn’t hunt manatees on their own.
I liked that Manuela was not a hero per se. She did what felt right to her. The first scene where she and her father hunt and kill the mother manatee is not graphic, but it changes her. She realizes what it means to take the life of an animal and she decides she needs to save the baby.
Manatee Rescue reminds me of Tiger Boy by Mitali Perkins. If that one is popular in your library you should definitely purchase this one. Both are great books about animal conservation. This would make a good addition to a library that has kids interested in animals and conservation. There is a bit of back matter in this one that discusses manatees and their precarious situation across the globe. It also shares a bit about conservation efforts along the Amazon.
There are some sweet black and white water color pictures sprinkled into the book. They don’t add a whole lot to the book, but they are charming. I am not wild about the cover and I am curious if that is the correct kind of manatee. There are three kinds apparently and that one looks like the ones I’ve seen in Florida and it appears to be missing the distinctive white chest patch of Amazonian manatees.
I will definitely be buying this one for out mellow yellow section. It’s the transition from chapter books into the honest-to-goodness fiction section. We have books like The One and Only Ivan shelved there. In theory it could probably go in our transitional chapter book section. It isn’t terribly difficult and it clocks in at just under 100 pages. It would be one of our harder chapter books which is why I think I would bump it up. Either way it’s a good addition to those kids working their way into harder fiction books.
The writing was good and the story well told. She tackles the idea that the people are poor and reliant on the land, but that they would have reasons to want to join conservation movements. The story is actually based partially on a true story and a real manatee conservation organization. Airuwe is a real manatee who was rescued. I think that lends the story some authenticity that might have otherwise been hard to capture. Davies never made the people seem backwards or ignorant. She didn’t dwell on their poverty. While Manuela cares for the manatee baby she is watched by her village. She respectfully tries to teach them about why they might want to save Airuwe and manatees in general. Moreover, most of the villagers come to the conclusion that they shouldn’t hunt manatees on their own.
I liked that Manuela was not a hero per se. She did what felt right to her. The first scene where she and her father hunt and kill the mother manatee is not graphic, but it changes her. She realizes what it means to take the life of an animal and she decides she needs to save the baby.
Manatee Rescue reminds me of Tiger Boy by Mitali Perkins. If that one is popular in your library you should definitely purchase this one. Both are great books about animal conservation. This would make a good addition to a library that has kids interested in animals and conservation. There is a bit of back matter in this one that discusses manatees and their precarious situation across the globe. It also shares a bit about conservation efforts along the Amazon.
There are some sweet black and white water color pictures sprinkled into the book. They don’t add a whole lot to the book, but they are charming. I am not wild about the cover and I am curious if that is the correct kind of manatee. There are three kinds apparently and that one looks like the ones I’ve seen in Florida and it appears to be missing the distinctive white chest patch of Amazonian manatees.
I will definitely be buying this one for out mellow yellow section. It’s the transition from chapter books into the honest-to-goodness fiction section. We have books like The One and Only Ivan shelved there. In theory it could probably go in our transitional chapter book section. It isn’t terribly difficult and it clocks in at just under 100 pages. It would be one of our harder chapter books which is why I think I would bump it up. Either way it’s a good addition to those kids working their way into harder fiction books.
December 9, 2020
Manatee Rescue
Manatee Rescue written by Nicola Davies and published in 2013 makes a wonderful novel. Nicola Davies the author of Manatee Rescue works as a zoologist and created the novel to bring attention to the importance of protecting nature’s wildlife. Nicola Davies picked a real life topic for her story but created a fake place with made up characters so this fiction book would bring attention to rescuing manatees. I typically dislike all books, but I enjoyed Manatee Rescue because of the realistic nature of the author’s writing. I would definitely rate the story five out of five stars. When people head to the ocean, please remember to save the sea cows.
The story takes place in the fictional Puerto Dorado, a small town in the woods far from normal civilization. The book includes five main characters, most importantly, Manuela, a girl eager to kill a manatee to prove how gender does not change what people can do. Manuela’s father encourages Manuela to kill the manatee as an island life skill. Libia, Manuela’s best friend helped Manuela change her mind and decide to protect the manatees. Manuela’s grandma helped protect the wildlife by working at a small animal hospital. The last character Airuwe, the loveable manatee, needed help returning to normal after an injury.
Through the actions in the story, Manuela goes from killing a manatee and causing harm to the manatee’s baby to regretting that decision. Manuela and Libia go and save the baby manatee and bring the baby to Manuela’s grandmother’s animal hospital to nurse Airuwe, the baby manatee, back to health. Manuela learns the importance of protecting wildlife and, with Libia’s help, spreads awareness so people will realize how the necessity of stopping poachers and making the world a better place. I appreciated the way the author took an important subject and created a children’s novel to bring awareness.
The author brought a big cause into easy translation for young adults. I have heard about kids and other people making petitions for people to sign protecting nature and wildlife. The book even had a few similarities to the movie Dolphin Tale because kids helped a hurt animal. Because the author works as a zoologist, the author brings details about the manatee, the injuries, and animal protection to the book. My interest in keeping the planet green was piqued by the book and inspired me to do more. The United States has many organizations people can research to become involved in the protection of nature and wildlife. The point of the book teaches to protect wildlife and to speak up about harmful practices. I would recommend the story to anyone who wants to be inspired to put in more work into protecting the planet. I think 11-16 year olds would find the story interesting and informative. I believe any gender will enjoy the fast read of Manatee Rescue.
The lessons I learned from reading Manatee Rescue will stick with me for years to come, and the novel provided information about wildlife rescue to share with others. The author did an excellent job bringing a big topic to young readers, making the issues understandable. In my mind, Manatee Rescue remains one hundred percent a five star novel. Go protect the sea cows and all of nature's beauties.
Manatee Rescue written by Nicola Davies and published in 2013 makes a wonderful novel. Nicola Davies the author of Manatee Rescue works as a zoologist and created the novel to bring attention to the importance of protecting nature’s wildlife. Nicola Davies picked a real life topic for her story but created a fake place with made up characters so this fiction book would bring attention to rescuing manatees. I typically dislike all books, but I enjoyed Manatee Rescue because of the realistic nature of the author’s writing. I would definitely rate the story five out of five stars. When people head to the ocean, please remember to save the sea cows.
The story takes place in the fictional Puerto Dorado, a small town in the woods far from normal civilization. The book includes five main characters, most importantly, Manuela, a girl eager to kill a manatee to prove how gender does not change what people can do. Manuela’s father encourages Manuela to kill the manatee as an island life skill. Libia, Manuela’s best friend helped Manuela change her mind and decide to protect the manatees. Manuela’s grandma helped protect the wildlife by working at a small animal hospital. The last character Airuwe, the loveable manatee, needed help returning to normal after an injury.
Through the actions in the story, Manuela goes from killing a manatee and causing harm to the manatee’s baby to regretting that decision. Manuela and Libia go and save the baby manatee and bring the baby to Manuela’s grandmother’s animal hospital to nurse Airuwe, the baby manatee, back to health. Manuela learns the importance of protecting wildlife and, with Libia’s help, spreads awareness so people will realize how the necessity of stopping poachers and making the world a better place. I appreciated the way the author took an important subject and created a children’s novel to bring awareness.
The author brought a big cause into easy translation for young adults. I have heard about kids and other people making petitions for people to sign protecting nature and wildlife. The book even had a few similarities to the movie Dolphin Tale because kids helped a hurt animal. Because the author works as a zoologist, the author brings details about the manatee, the injuries, and animal protection to the book. My interest in keeping the planet green was piqued by the book and inspired me to do more. The United States has many organizations people can research to become involved in the protection of nature and wildlife. The point of the book teaches to protect wildlife and to speak up about harmful practices. I would recommend the story to anyone who wants to be inspired to put in more work into protecting the planet. I think 11-16 year olds would find the story interesting and informative. I believe any gender will enjoy the fast read of Manatee Rescue.
The lessons I learned from reading Manatee Rescue will stick with me for years to come, and the novel provided information about wildlife rescue to share with others. The author did an excellent job bringing a big topic to young readers, making the issues understandable. In my mind, Manatee Rescue remains one hundred percent a five star novel. Go protect the sea cows and all of nature's beauties.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2019
I have to admit, I thought this was going to take place in Florida and was shocked that the setting wasn't.
The main character is a feisty little girl who is on a mission to help make a huge wrong into a large right. Strong female characters...great read.
I was quick to get angry and sad within the first few pages and was pleased by the end.
Quick read. Great book for 4th and up.
The main character is a feisty little girl who is on a mission to help make a huge wrong into a large right. Strong female characters...great read.
I was quick to get angry and sad within the first few pages and was pleased by the end.
Quick read. Great book for 4th and up.
January 5, 2021
Read this to my 9yo as a bedtime book this week. I knew he would be interested because his preschool class learned about manatees years ago, and he was very excited about the lesson. The story is sweet and realistic, which makes sense because it is based on a true story. A great book, and one that I’ll now need to reread with my younger children!
February 23, 2018
I read this to my 8 & 12 yr olds and we all enjoyed it. A little graphic with the death of a mother manatee in the beginning, but it has a positive message as a result of the death. It also gave us some insight to the Amazonian villages.
March 10, 2019
This book was really cute , even though I'm 18 I can still appreciate the message this book teaches to younger audiences. The fact file about manatees at he back was very pleasing to see and it teaches kids about the importance of wildlife conservation.
August 23, 2021
It was such a cute story!! The ending made me tear up and I just couldn’t put the book down!! Nicola Davies is such an amazing author, I could picture myself there and the way she write is so amazing! The book is so cute and I highly recommend it!!
June 30, 2017
A little sad at the beginning, but is an eye opener about manatees and endangered animals.
July 28, 2017
LOTS of vocabulary! Would be great for a unit of study.
August 23, 2017
i'm obviously not the target audience for this book, but it was cute and i would have LOVED it as a 2nd-4th grader.
April 30, 2022
cute kids book, story is good for all, gets to the point and tells u how to fix it
March 13, 2016
Zoologist Nicola Davies writes with authority about the challenges faced by Manuela, a village girl living in the Amazon rainforest, when Manuela decides to raise an orphaned manatee calf.
Manuela and her father Silvio manage to kill a manatee. But when Manuela discovers that they have orphaned the manatee’s calf, what had been an important, profitable, and exciting adventure, begins to feel very different. Manuela is determined to save the calf, smuggling it to her grandmother’s home for safekeeping. With the help of her cousin Libia, they name the calf Airuwe and develop a five-point action plan to raise the manatee and educate others about the importance of manatee preservation. Along the way, Manuela learns to take responsibility for her actions, how her actions impact others, and how to stand up for her beliefs. Eventually Airuwe is released to the wild, but the villagers’ lives remain forever changed.
Davies tells a believable story, while creating a realistic setting and educating the reader about manatee preservation. Spanish terms and phrases are worked into the narrative, and simple black-and-white illustrations add interest. The novel is based on a real-life incident.
Manuela and her father Silvio manage to kill a manatee. But when Manuela discovers that they have orphaned the manatee’s calf, what had been an important, profitable, and exciting adventure, begins to feel very different. Manuela is determined to save the calf, smuggling it to her grandmother’s home for safekeeping. With the help of her cousin Libia, they name the calf Airuwe and develop a five-point action plan to raise the manatee and educate others about the importance of manatee preservation. Along the way, Manuela learns to take responsibility for her actions, how her actions impact others, and how to stand up for her beliefs. Eventually Airuwe is released to the wild, but the villagers’ lives remain forever changed.
Davies tells a believable story, while creating a realistic setting and educating the reader about manatee preservation. Spanish terms and phrases are worked into the narrative, and simple black-and-white illustrations add interest. The novel is based on a real-life incident.
August 13, 2018
A girl, Manuela, wants to go fishing with her father on what she thinks is a typical fishing trip. However Manuela’s dad has other plans. When the trip results in the killing of a manatee, a baby manatee is left without a family. This situation creates challenges and conflicts that Manuela has to carefully figure out.
Other kids will enjoy the book because Manuela gets to learn about what she believes and how to stand up for herself. Manuela also learns about ways to take care of a baby manatee. She has to figure out how to take responsibility and how her actions may impact others.
What’s interesting about the book is that kids can learn about a new culture and start to understand the impact on our environment and animals. In the book, Manuela changes her perspective. Manuela’s values and thoughts evolve and change based on her experiences. Manuela even learns the value of creating an action plan. The book provides a lot of twists and things to consider. There is even a little bit of a scare in the Epilogue section but everything turns out okay.
Review by Charlotte P., age 7, Northern Colorado Mensa
Other kids will enjoy the book because Manuela gets to learn about what she believes and how to stand up for herself. Manuela also learns about ways to take care of a baby manatee. She has to figure out how to take responsibility and how her actions may impact others.
What’s interesting about the book is that kids can learn about a new culture and start to understand the impact on our environment and animals. In the book, Manuela changes her perspective. Manuela’s values and thoughts evolve and change based on her experiences. Manuela even learns the value of creating an action plan. The book provides a lot of twists and things to consider. There is even a little bit of a scare in the Epilogue section but everything turns out okay.
Review by Charlotte P., age 7, Northern Colorado Mensa
February 13, 2017
A great book for my third graders.
January 24, 2016
Manuela is not typical of other girls in her Amazon River village. She much prefers fishing with her dad, Silvio, to going to school. When she and Silvio hunt and kill a manatee, everything changes. What she had thought would be a grand accomplishment feels like murder, and Manuela becomes determined to save the dead manatee's calf. She and Silvio bring the dead manatee and her living calf home to the village to share the meat. Manuela, along with her cousin Libia, decide to rescue the calf, named Airuwe, and end up kidnapping him, and hiding him at their grandmother's house. The girls develop a five-point action plan to raise the pup until weaned, to educate the area villages about the importance of preserving manatees, and to eventually release Airuwe back into the wild. The author is able to tell an exciting story, in a realistic setting, peppered throughout with terms in Spanish and liberally educating the reader about manatee preservation. Black and white illustrations add interest.
April 15, 2016
Manuela often accompanies her father on fishing trips. When they come across a manatee, Manuela is excited by the opportunity to hunt such a large creature. She imagines it will be similar to killing a large fish. But after her father harpoons the manatee and Manuela discovers the now orphaned baby, her feelings change. With the help of her best friend Libia, Manuela vows to save the baby manatee and return it to its river home. But to save the baby, Manuela will need to rely on all of her strength, conviction, and courage.
Manatee Rescue is based on a true event. It tells the story of a young girl moving from hunter to conservationist. Her journey culminates in the release of the manatee back into the wild and the reeducation of her entire village. This inspirational story is sure to please and just might motivate aspiring young conservationists. Black-and-white pen and brush illustrations accompany the text. The definition of unfamiliar words is provided via footnotes. An author’s note provides background and additional information about manatees.
Manatee Rescue is based on a true event. It tells the story of a young girl moving from hunter to conservationist. Her journey culminates in the release of the manatee back into the wild and the reeducation of her entire village. This inspirational story is sure to please and just might motivate aspiring young conservationists. Black-and-white pen and brush illustrations accompany the text. The definition of unfamiliar words is provided via footnotes. An author’s note provides background and additional information about manatees.
April 18, 2016
Great story about a young girl in Central America that loves fishing with her father until they kill a manatee and capture the young manatee calf that was with her. Even though this animal will help feed their entire village and make her father a local hero, Manuela is very upset by this killing and she is determined to save the baby manatee. How her feelings change about her family, manatees and animal conservation are well developed through the story, and bring the reader right into her heart. Great animal conservation story, including ways to actually help manatees today. Grades 3-4. Could be upsetting to younger readers because of the content.
May 20, 2016
I read this book with my kids and they really enjoyed it. The plight of the orphaned manatee and Manuela's efforts to save and protect it really captured their imagination. I also liked the factual information at the end. One thing that could have been better was the way Spanish was integrated into the book. Some Spanish and Ticun words were utilized (and their translations provided) but common words that are familiar to many non-Spanish speaking English speakers, such as tío, were not used. Referring to Manuela's grandmother as "granny" was another missed opportunity to make the book feel more authentic and to use a Spanish word (abuelita) that many English speakers are familiar with.
July 20, 2015
I am a big fan of Nicola Davies' work, so I was excited to read this ARC. This transitional chapter book includes tons of information about manatees and it also provides a step-by-step action plan that readers could adapt and implement as project-based learning continues to be a trendy buzzword. The author's information at the end tells how the book is based on a real-life story. This is a great format for middle grade nonfiction, so I hope more rescue stories are forthcoming!
September 9, 2016
I'm biased because I love manatees so much, but I thought that this was a great short chapter book about conservation. I particularly liked the author's note at the end that gave more information about Amazonian manatees and the actual event that inspired this book. My only hesitation is that it was very hard to read about hunting manatees.
April 5, 2016
Animal lovers will identify with Manuela's change of heart about killing manatees. Ambitious youngsters will find encouragement and ideas on how to affect change. Readers will enjoy a well-told story based on true events.
April 24, 2016
This was a good story. Manuela has always wanted to harpoon a manatee, but when she does, she's not sure she's happy with herself. This is the story of Airuwe and Manuela and how she raises awareness for manatees. It reminds me of when I was in second grade and we adopted a manatee named Flash.
April 23, 2016
I am intrigued by Nicola Davies - how here writing shares her passion for the animals on our earth and how she hopes to inspire readers to take action through helping them understand the need to care.
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January 7, 2017Will be buying this for friends' children. Cute story that links in culture, community, conservation and how traditional ways of life can come into conflict with sustainability. And, it offers a real solution, and is based on a true story. win win win.
March 26, 2016
Father-daughter relationship. Learn about Manatees. Cross-cultural. Stealing. Defying parent. Spanish vocabulary. Changing/challenging cultural norms. Ends with a bit of nonfic about manatees.
September 6, 2016
I love this book! l like how she saved him in real life.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews