Koda and the Whales: a true story
This educational book teaches children facts about gray whales and their ocean home from the perspective of Carrie Newell, the author's dog, Koda, as the narrator. It is based on true stories and experiences she has had with whales and all three of her dogs for decades. Many of the drawings are from photographs or a compilation of photographs with an artistic flair to describe Koda’s story. The book is illustrated by Jack Wiens, who accurately represents marine life and the dogs’ personalities.
The book is fully illustrated in color and includes a glossary and classroom questions and activities at the back of the book. Topics of discussion are:
- Different types of whales
- Whale behaviors
- How whales feed and what they eat
- Identifying the individual whales who live in Depoe Bay, Oregon
- How Carrie trained her dogs to spot and interact with the whales
- Whale encounters
