A moon-white Risso’s dolphin explores New Zealand’s sheltered coves and inlets, looking for someone to play with.

Never would the passengers of metal hulled ships through the Malborough Sounds have known he would choose them.

Leaping and twisting among the bow waves of these boats, he begins to lead them through these rough waters. Passengers exclaim at his antics and his sleek white body. Is he a white fish? A shark? Or maybe even the fabled taniwha?

Named Pelorus Jack by the sailors due to where he meets the ships at Pelorus Sound, he becomes famous around the world. Between 1888 and 1912, this amazing animal delights travellers from far and wide, including Mark Twain and Rudyard Kipling.

The 3rd in this popular New Zealand creative non-fiction series, Pelorus Jack is yet another animal that has been immortalised in bronze in Aotearoa.

In the rear of this picture book is a photograph of this statue and more information about this captivating dolphin.

With Raymond McGrath’s trademark illustrations continuing in this series, and a fun and informative tale about this rare animal and its even rarer behaviour, this is a fantastic addition to this series.

Author – Susan Brocker

Illustrator – Raymond McGrath

Picture Book

See Pelorus Jack in the water here

(2022, Scholastic NZ, NZ, New Zealand, Aotearoa, South Island, Malborough Sounds, Pelorus Sound, Dolphin, Animal, Ocean, Cook Strait, Shipping, Bots, Wonder, Famous, Fame, 1888, White Dolphin, Series, Narrative Non Fiction)