The Disappearing Dolphins - Delightful Children's Story by Jennifer Kelman With Joydyn and Kyle Kelman

Jackie and Kevin squealed with delight as they walked on the warm sand. They had been to the beach with Mommy many times, but something about today felt special, almost magical...at least to Kevin.

The kids starting building a sandcastle. As they worked, Kevin thought he saw a dolphin far in the distance. 

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But when he looked up it was gone. He was certain he'd seen a dolphin jumping high, then diving playfully back into the surf. Kevin gazed at the ocean but saw nothing. Maybe it had only been his imagination. He shrugged it off and went back to building the castle...

As soon as he dug into the sand, the dolphin jumped again!

The Disappearing Dolphins

By Jennifer Kelman

With Jordyn and Kyle Kelman

Illustrated by Michael Swaim

Today I'm doing things a little different,,,Combining interview questions for the author within my overall review... I think you'll see why...

Why did you decide to write it?   This story came tumbling from me after a few weeks of my twins being sick.  Not feeling particularly creative, I began to weave this story and was truly surprised as I watched my kids begin to feel refreshed and happy.  It was at that moment that we all decided together to make the story of The Disappearing Dolphins into a book.

Take a look at the real pictures on the back

 of the book cover versus those in the book--

outstanding likenesses, don't you think?!

I'm a sucker for a good story, together with its background, so when I learned that the author actually created this tale while nursing and trying to help make her twin children, Jordyn and Kyle, feel better, I was even more intrigued! 

But then I started looking at the beauty of the book itself and was quite overwhelmed! Together with its backstory!  It seems the illustrator had chosen to take the safe way to make money and then was let go after 20 years--well, you know that also happened to me... But what was amazing was that his art is so very beautiful. Sure there is a cartoon flavor to it as is used for children's books, but I have to say that I've never seen such clarity and realistic features as are created by this illustrator. Take a look of an example right at the beginning plus throughout this article...In my opinion, these pages are worthy of using as pictures hanging on your child's bedroom wall...but I wouldn't want to tear up the book to do it! LOL

So the main characters are spending the day at the beach. What I noticed immediately was how I saw the difference between the two children.

Jackie is task-oriented, wanting to produce something and complete it for enjoyment. While Kevin is much more adventuresome, looking around, checking out what he can get into...what he can see and enjoy. Surely, the pictures were created to complement the story much more than usual?

In any event, while both children started to build a great-looking sandcastle, since Kevin is always looking outward, he was the first to catch sight of the dolphin! But by the time he had called out to his sister and she had looked, the dolphin of course had gone back underwater from his dive! Jackie even told him he was just fooling around--get back to work... Does Jackie take after her mother, I wondered?

Kevin was embarrassed and started to question his own imagination. Still, he knew what he'd seen! So he switched places with Jackie, hoping that she would see him if he came back.

wikipedia.com
In the meantime, Jackie had covered
herself with sand knee-deep and by the
time she looked, the dolphins were gone
again.
Jackie was "not" amused you might say
and told Kevin to quit interrupting her
with his silly games...

www.wikipedia

"There they are! Now there are three of
them!" Kevin yelled.
~~~

Flickr.com
Kevin was certain that one gave him a little wink...

I don't know about you, but if I were Kevin, I'd be very frustrated with my sister by then...Do you think Jackie ever did see the dolphins? Well, just to be sure you do, let's spend some time with them! First, here's the one that winked at Kevin--he just knew nobody would believe him and he laughed and laughed!

What type of readers will be interested in your book? 

This is a great story for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and teachers to read to their kids.  Using fun and silly intonations while reading aloud, the listener can appreciate the frustration in Jackie and the desire in Kevin.  This book appeals to 4-6 year olds and maybe a bit older as they read the book to themselves.

And, of course, to adults of all ages, like me, who enjoy reading them too! LOL What is special about your book?  What differentiates it from other books in the same category? 

The book is special because of the subtle messages…believe in yourself, imagine and it can be, the sibling (twin) relationship and the love of nature.  It is special because the story is woven in such a way that highlights all of these aspects.  The reader remains engaged and isn’t exactly sure if Jackie will ever see The Disappearing Dolphins.  I believe that the illustrations by Michael Swaim, set this book apart from others.  His gift is unparalleled. I am also in the process of co-writing a song, The Disappearing Dolphins, which will be available on ITunes, to complement the book.  This song, a catchy, sing-a-long, is certain to stay stuck in your head all day long. (Note: this is an exclusive one time use authorized by the author to accompany this book review. Please do not share...)

Here's a sneak preview of later in the book. Do you think Jackie finally saw them this time?

Dolphins provide such fun and laughter for children and adults across the world. Now, with the help of Jennifer Kelman and her children, you can introduce your own children to these beautiful mammals who, even though live in the ocean, are not like the fish who also make their home in sea water...

I loved everything about this story and the back story of how it came to be written. Imagination and creativity are so important for children--a mother who can share her own, with those children, will certainly help them to develop their own! How Great is That?! Highly recommended for many reasons!

GABixlerReviews

About the Author 

Jennifer Kelman is a licensed clinical social worker, life coach, author, and entrepreneur. She enjoys cycling and tennis, and finds endless creative inspiration from her young twins. She is the author of the award-winning Mrs. Pinkelmeyer® series featuring the lovable dog Moopus McGlinden®. The Disappearing Dolphins is her third children’s book.

Have you published any other books?  Do you plan to publish more?

This is my 3^rd book.  My first two belong to the Mrs. Pinkelmeyer book series.

I created two children’s characters; Mrs. Pinkelmeyer® and her lovable dog, Moopus McGlinden®. Together, they inspire self-esteem in children through their love, warmth and silliness.  I have also created a full product line including a plush doll, a Moopus McGlinden stuffed animal, a music CD and 2 books.  Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Burn the Rrrrump Rrrroast and Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Prance into New York City.  Available on Amazon.com and www.MrsPinkelmeyer.com 

I will continue to write and publish more books when the light of creativity strikes again.