Pogo: the Porpoise with a Purpose

Pogo,  a harbor porpoise with a purpose and a message comes to life in this beautifully illustrated children’s book.  While asking kids for help,  Pogo speaks about preserving marine life and habitat,  some of which are at risk of extinction.  He raises issues such as climate change,  conservation and ecology and taking personal responsibility for making the critical changes necessary to save and preserve Pogo and other species that live in the ocean.

The book is written as an introduction for classroom students to being good stewards of the ocean.  It is interactive,  with Pogo’s narration,  and discusses complex issues in an understandable way.  It is intended for children of upper elementary school level.  As a former classroom teacher,  I appreciate the value of it in that context,  but in my further opinion as a mom and grandparent,   I believe younger children would enjoy the book as well.

Pogo,  being a very wise porpoise,  suggests that there are many ways for children to have a direct positive impact for the future of not only marine life,  but of all the world we live in.

Pogo talks to the young readers in a non-threatening way about some of the problems that humans have created for animals,  and why the animals are harmed and threatened by the actions and decisions of some adults.  Pogo asks the children to help him change the future by making personal choices today for a brighter, healthier future for everyone and for all the ocean marine life.

Pogo:  the Porpoise with a Purpose also includes a glossary of some “big words” for children to learn that Pogo uses throughout the book,  a page of discussion ideas about some of the key points Pogo discusses with the kids,  and a list of nine ways that children can help Pogo and other marine life.

There is also a word puzzle at the end of the book for kids to solve,  which will require them to give the book a quick second reading.

Most importantly,  Pogo the Porpoise with a Purpose offers a positive message for children to take with them on into their lives,  long after they have enjoyed Pogo’s message.