Down by the Dock - Lori Henninger Smith

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Résumé :
There is a new visitor in Carlingford Lough, who loves to hang around, down by the dock. The town loves the little guy and hope he stays around. He has been the most fun they have found. They love watching him from the shore, near the ferry boat in Greenore. He entertains with his jumps and spins, splashing around in the sun and the wind. Where he was from they hadn't a clue....but ideas... they had a few! Check out the story about the dolphin in Carlingford Lough, and the mystery of his arrival will be unlocked!


Down by the Dock is the imagined story of a real dolphin who took up residence in the town of Carlingford, Ireland, during the pandemic of 2020. Everyone wanted to know where he came from, so the town ponders different theories of how he came to be living in the beautiful waters of Carlingford Lough. Did he come in on a kite? Or a ferry boat? Maybe he slid down a rainbow? Or is there an Irish Giant involved?


A fun, educational book with an environmental lesson, perfect for the school age child, that teaches the importance of keeping our oceans clean and safe for all cetaceans. This interactive book includes QR codes through-out that lead the reader on a treasure hunt to find even more fun facts about dolphins or other interesting items in the book. Even the physical books come complete with a scannable Audio Code built in, too, so your reader can follow along with the pictures, when you or they are too tired to read but still want to hear a story! Just turn the page when you hear the dolphin squeak!


And you'll find photos and information about the real Finn in the back! Our books also pay homage to the areas where this dolphin is located, Carlingford Lough. Actual locations are beautifully depicted that are recognizable to those that know the area. From King John's Castle in Carlingford, to the Haulbowline Lighthouse and shoreline around Greenore, there is even a nod to Warrenpoint, local kids will get a thrill seeing the places they know and love. A fun website has been created to accompany the books complete with lesson plan ideas, colouring sheets and fun things for kids and teachers alike to learn more about environmentalism, conservation, marine life, and more!

Biographie:
I studied studio art and graphic design at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, USA. After a long career in marketing and home decor' product design, I crossed the Atlantic Ocean to return to college at the age of 57. Always in love with Ireland, I chose to study Public Relations and Digital Marketing Communications. With the encouragement of my creative writing lecturer, Ciara, I found my purpose. From my home on the waters of Carlingford Lough, (pronounced 'lock' for my American friends), I heard stories of a curious new and rare, dolphin in the area and began to imagine where this dolphin came from. Always enthralled by the folklore, myths and legends in Ireland that include giants, I could imagine a story evolving I knew my grandkids would enjoy. And Down by the Dock was born. Then a friend mentioned the story of Fungie and after much research, Finn's Friend Fungie became a reality as well. Both books have been well received and we hope you enjoy them, too! Thank you, Finn and Fungie, for helping me discover my passion.