George recounts the life and antics of a young Atlantic bottle-nosed dolphin at the Maryland State Aquarium. Although Bob faces many obstacles following his birth at the Marine Mammal Pavilion, the highly intelligent and determined calf survives and flourishes to become a popular (albeit unpredictable) star in the dolphin shows. Although the author's purpose seems to be to convey information about the environment, behavior, and life cycle of these creatures, she has chosen a fictional format and states that Bob and his mother are composites of several real dolphins. This type of structure often proves disastrous; however, George pulls it off. Bob and his mischievous pranks are so appealing that readers are likely to absorb the information naturally along with the story. A good read-aloud choice for classes studying marine mammals. (Reviewed Feb. 1, 1996)

Packed with behavioral and environmental information, the story tells about a stranded bottlenosed dolphin, her rehabilitation at an aquarium, and the baby, Bob, to whom she eventually gives birth. The text moves at a jaunty pace as George describes the highly intelligent young calf's popularity in the dolphin shows and his trainer's chagrin at his unpredictable but endearing qualities.

A fictionalized account, based on real events, of a stranded dolphin, Aster, who is nursed back to health at the Maryland State Aquarium, where she subsequently gives birth to Bob. This is a very straightforward relating of events, without much characterization (other than of Aster and Bob), clarity of setting, or subtlety of dialogue. The story will be exciting enough to keep young readers turning the pages, and the details of dolphin communication are informative. George, offspring of Jean Craighead George, debuts with a tale that reveals more about the author's interest in research than it does about any potential narrative skills. (b&w illustrations, not seen) (Fiction. 7-10)"

Gr 4-6--The author's note states that this story "...is based on the real lives of several dolphins." A young, beached dolphin is raised in an aquarium and then, 10 years later, despite frailty and advanced age, gives birth to a baby that seems to have inherited her intelligence and stubborn personality. When young Bob leaps from the nursery tank to the performing pool and refuses to leave, the popular dolphin shows must be canceled. However, the staff is told that the mayor is going to be in the audience and that there must be a show for him. To insure Bob's safety, only his mother can perform. Everyone in the audience is disappointed, even angry, until bright little Bob begins to jump along with her. Then all are thrilled and, as luck would have it, Bob finally decides to return to the nursery tank. The audience's response to the dilemma seems questionable--surely visitors to a dolphin-rescue aquarium would be understanding if a baby dolphin's safety were at stake. George presents interesting information, including the behavior, raising, and training of dolphins in captivity, but her story simply doesn't hold water. Bob's opportune decision to perform for a disgruntled city official becomes a rather soggy ending to this tale.--Carla Kozak, San Francisco Public Library