Astrid Mohné

„Der Regenbogen-Delphin“

This unusual book tells the thrilling adventures of an extraordinary dolphin who is trying to save his fellow dolphins, which are threatened by human behaviour, from extinction. It combines sensitive, exciting storytelling with reliable information about one of the most fascinating animal species.

People from all eras and cultures have described the dolphin as something unique, as a creature that radiates joy, love and spontaneity. For the ancient Mediterranean cultures, the intelligent marine mammals symbolised health, happiness, speed and strength. The Greeks worshipped the dolphin as a divine creature, and killing it was punishable by death. In Roman mythology, sea creatures played an important role as companions and messengers of gods, demigods and heroes. The popularity of dolphins has not changed to this day. The playful marine mammals are highly popular with most people; they are attributed exclusively positive characteristics. But in recent years, the threat to dolphins has increased significantly. The once sacred animals are now endangered by marine pollution, ruthless fishing methods and abuse in dolphinaria. However, the cinema film "Free Willy" and documentary television programmes have contributed significantly to the fact that dolphinaria are now viewed more critically by the public. The former dolphin trainer of "Flipper", Ric O'Barry, criticises that caging dolphins is an "abuse of nature" and that visitors are given a "false education". In addition to electronic media, literature that is also read and understood by children and young people can help to spread the necessary knowledge about dolphins. The author and publisher also want to arouse interest and understanding for dolphins among children, young people and adults who are young at heart and, in particular, draw attention to the threat posed to these marine mammals by human behaviour. In contrast to specialised and non-fiction books, stories and novels on the subject of dolphins, this book combines the different literary forms. The information about dolphins is presented with factual knowledge, imagination and humour, so that readers have the opportunity to learn new and interesting facts about dolphins in a playful and enjoyable way. Important terms and explanations about marine mammals are highlighted in italics in each chapter and explained in a dictionary in the appendix of the book.