Prince William

Following an oil spill in Prince William Sound, a girl named Denny explores the beach and finds a young seal pup covered in oil. She struggles to pick him up out of the muck and carries him home to her mother, who has been calling volunteers to help clean up shore birds caught in the disaster. Denny's mother notices that the seal pup is very ill, so she and Denny head to a rescue center set up in a school gym. As the story progresses it becomes clear how huge an effort is needed in order to clean up an environment polluted by an oil spill. Hundreds of volunteers are needed, as well as veterinarians, airplane pilots, and environmental workers, among others. These and other workers are depicted in this story, as well as the Alaskan landscape, and the story remains interesting throughout. The illustrations are well done, and everyone will fall in love with Prince William (the seal pup) when they look into his eyes.

Just read this to my third graders during a lesson on the beach habitat and the effect of an oil spill. I had the students brainstorm on what they would do to clean up a spill and then read them the book to see if it matched our predictions. They loved the cute seal too.

For girls who think Prince William is good looking (just like me!) You would die for this book! It is the best! I think it gives good information! I think many people will enjoy this book! My applause to Gloria Rand! Great Job! Thanks