Leopard & Silkie: One Boy's Quest to Save the Seal Pups

Harbor seals in the Pacific Northwest come ashore in late summer to give birth to and care for their young. The beaches they choose are also frequented by curious humans, whose good but misguided intentions could threaten the vulnerable seal pups. Luckily for the seals, concerned children and adults have formed the Seal Sitters, a watch group that protects the growing seals and educates human beachgoers. Leopard, a newborn seal, is fortunate to have "kid volunteer" Miles on the case. Miles is a wonderful representative for community-based science activism: he and his friends take turns after school keeping an eye on Leopard. They also build Leopard and his mother an anchored raft for better protection against unwanted attention and noise from humans. Lindsey's excellent photographs show why humans can't stay away: Leopard's large, dark eyes and expressive mug seem to be smiling right at the viewer, and his furry, floppy body just calls out for a hug. Photos from a seal's perspective, though, tell a different story, ominously showing even the littlest humans looming overhead. An endnote provides further information about the Seal Sitters and their mission. danielle j. ford