Book Review - I trapped a DOLPHIN but it REALLY wasn't my fault

Book Review-  I trapped a DOLPHIN but it REALLY wasn't my fault!

Written by Singapore's best-selling author Neil Humphreys and co-authored by his four year old daughter Abbie Rose, the book,  "I trapped a DOLPHIN but it really wasn't my fault"  is the second book in the children's book series "ABBIE ROSE & the magic suitcase." 

I actually bought this book for my 6 year old son and bought the author's other best-seller, Return to a Sexy Island for myself. However, I ended up reading the children's book first (the cover page seemed more attractive and I could finish the book easily in the cab ride home). And while my 'action hero' son liked the story but rejected the book because it's central character was a girl (he is at an age when his world is full of macho, super human boys and girls sadly figure nowhere on his horizon), I enjoyed the read thoroughly!

As a parent who buys a lot of children's books and regularly reads to her kids, I can vouch for the fact that  there are very few children's books that both adults and children can enjoy reading. ''I trapped a dolphin...." is one of  the very few children's books that is a great read for any age. It is smart, witty story-telling  that encompasses magic, travel and adventure while conveying a powerful message about 'saving the environment'.

The book series, Abbie Rose & the Magic suitcase has Abbie Rose a four-year old girl as the main protagonist. She is a curious little girl whose tall, hairy-legged father's love for travel, adventure and books has rubbed off on her. Her best suitcase in the cupboard is actually a magical suitcase that can transport her and her best friend Billy (a teddy bear) to faraway lands and exciting adventures.

In the book, I trapped a Dolphin but it really wasn't my fault, the magic suitcase takes Abbie Rose and Billy to the magnificent world of the deep, wide blue O-C-E-A-N! There, Abbie Rose meets a dolphin who is accidentally trapped when she is talking to him. Worst still, her friend Billy is also caught in the big net. The story continues with how Abbie Rose uses her common sense and some 'fishy' help to save the dolphin and her friend just in time. After playing with all the 'clicking' and 'squeaking' dolphins in the ocean and almost getting caught in the net herself, Abbie Rose and Billy return H-O-M-E, sopping wet but gleefully happy after their secret adventure!

What I like about the book is that without getting into lengthy histrionics or moral preachings, the book brings across an important environmental message- that all of us need to work towards protecting the dolphins (and other animals) from those who are selfishly endangering them. The message is subtle but strong and will make the reader think about the animals who have a right to live in their natural habitat and who long to return to their homes as much as Abbie Rose does after every adventure. What I also like about the book is that it will help young readers learn new words such as mammals, ocean and swordfish without, again, making it obvious. 

Children's books need telling and attractive illustrations. To give due credit, the illustrations in this book by Cheng Puay Koon totally complement the story-telling. They are bright, colourful, apt and  convey the situations and the expressions beautifully! In fact I would even say that the story would not have the same impact or the same sheen without the wonderful illustrations as it has now. 

The book is a bit pricey but is a good read both for preschoolers and independent readers. The third book in the series is expected to be published around Christmas this year. Looking forward to where Abbie Rose's magic suitcase will take her next and who will she meet on her next adventure! 

Till then take care and happy reading!