Title: The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba – A New Life Begins!
Book 1 Series 1
Author: Roe De Pinto
Publisher: Outskirts Press
ISBN: 978-1-4787-6367-3
Pages: 40
Genre: Illustrated Children’s Book
Reviewed by: Beth Adams
Buy on AmazonPacific Book Review
December 27th of 2010 must have been a memorable day for author and creator Roe De Pinto as on that day Zealy was born, among no doubt some other very special person in her life.
Zealy opened her eyes for the first time in the cold and frigid Artic waters being embraced by her mommy and daddy; comforted by the loving protection given to her by her parents. Just moments later, Whubba, the friendly baby Orca came by to see the excitement, and although startling Zealy a bit, was assured by her daddy that Whubba would be a good friend and help protect Zealy throughout their lives together.
So begins The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba in the Book 1 of Series 1 titled, A New Life Begins! In this delightfully illustrated children’s book, the birth of Zealy is the main event and the opening of her eyes to see all new things the world has to offer is the theme of this first story. That is quite a wonderful realization, when you come to think of it. In such a miraculous way De Pinto depicts just takes that moment of coming into the world, “Out of the darkness and into the light,” as she puts it, as being very special. Special to not only Zealy, but to her mommy and daddy as well – and also to Whubba!
With awesome illustrations by artist Robin Gulack, the frozen world of the seal family is brought to a warm and fuzzy loving feeling. The details of other sea life in the illustrations and marine imaging convey the isolated yet populated world of the Artic, complete with its own sets of life in a safe environment for the animals of the region. Although a very different environment from the bedroom of the little ones in which this story is intended to be read to, it brings a chilling, loving feeling in which getting “Under the covers and snuggling up” will be the last thing they do before falling asleep. Once dreaming, the thoughts of baby Zealy will hopefully propel their dreams into a swimming adventure with other friends, their parents and grandparents.
This creative book, as well as the series which follows, is an instant epic storyline of simplicity, beautiful drawings and basic morality of the principle of love. The embracing and protection of parents will instill a sense of comfort to all children being read this story; time and time again. Although her initial eyes opening of Zealy is the theme of this story, children will no doubt assimilate their own awakening into the world as being a memorable event; as they instinctually opened their eyes to see their mommy and daddy for the first time – just like Zealy did!
The first of a series, The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba: A New Life Begins! Is an excellent baby shower gift or present for a newborn, which will withstand the many turns of the pages day after day, and which will finally become a permanent collection of the family’s library, cherished to be read to the next generation decades later.
