Did you know you have something in common with Southern Right Whales? They have two plates of bristles that 
hang from their top jaw. This is what they sieve gallons of seawater at a time through, to capture small shrimp-like sealife. These bristles are made from the same thing as your fingernails. It’s called Keratin.
Do you know why they are called Southern Right Whales? Once abundant in New Zealand’s waters, the whalers of the world came to hunt them for whale oil and baleen for horse whips. They were the right whale to hunt.
These are just two of the interesting facts from this sophisticated picture book, focused on these beautiful creatures. Thankfully Southern Right Whale numbers are rising due to them becoming a protected species in the early 1930’s and organisations like Greenpeace and Sea Shepherd tirelessly fighting any illegal whaling from Japanese whalers. Protest marches across the world also help prevent more illegal whaling.
A page in the book shows clear illustrations of four different whales, Southern Right Whale, Blue Whale, Humpback Whale and Sperm Whale, to allow the reader to see the differences and if ever lucky enough to see one, be able to tell identify it correctly.
Covering two centuries, Tohorā tells a story of survival. Once so prevalent in Wellington’s Harbour, (their blowing would keep people awake), through the terrible years of ruthless whaling which nearly drove them from existence, to their own NZ marine mammal sanctuary helping them to recover.
Beautifully illustrated and with engaging text, every animal lover will enjoy Tohorā. A great way for young New Zealanders to learn a little of our history and all about these magnificent, peaceful creatures.
Available in Hardback and Paperpack – A wonderful school resource.
Author / Illustrator – Ned Barraud
Age – 9+
Non-Fiction Sophisticated Picture book
Read reviews on more Ned Barraud titles (Click on the Covers)
(NZ, New Zealand History, Whaling, Whales, Illegal whaling, Whale identification, Protest, People power, Kiwi Author)