The Vaquita

Gr 3--5--The Wild Thornberrys meet Bindi and Robert Irwin in an action-packed and educational adventure series. In The Vaquita, Asia and Ring Wilde are on an observation tour in Mexico with their famous veterinarian father, Dr. Jack Wilde, to see an endangered and highly elusive porpoise. The third book follows them as they return to their family's conservation center in Texas. In both books, the siblings find themselves entangled in nefarious plans to harm the animals they are trying to protect and must figure out how to keep everyone safe. Asia and Ring are charismatic characters and are mostly left to their own devices. As a result, the plot is engaging and constantly flowing. Smith also includes lots of tidbits about animal conservation, perfect for kids who enjoy wildlife stories. These books pack a punch. VERDICT This series would be excellent for readers who enjoy wildlife and adventure. Highly recommended for all collections.

Dangers lurk beneath the ocean's surface--but sometimes the risks aboveground can be even worse. This follow-up to The Wildes: The Amazon (2023) delivers a fast-paced thrill ride involving poachers, endangered porpoises, and a sinister businessman. When the danger-prone Wilde family embarks on a mission in Mexico's Sea of Cortez, it isn't long before Asia and little brother Ring are mingling with the locals, getting to know the natural flora and fauna, and upsetting bad guys. The ecologically minded Wildes are preparing for the upcoming Vaquita Summit, designed to explore ecological concerns including how the highly endangered vaquitas, known as ghost porpoises, struggle to survive in captivity. Scientists, including the kids' veterinarian father, Dr. Jack, and their conservation biologist mom, Dr. Jane, grapple with whether the benefits of penning the small porpoises for breeding to boost their population outweighs the likelihood of their dying from the stress of captivity. Engaging and informative nuggets are interspersed throughout. The siblings move through their adventures with distinct operating strategies: Ring is more interested in fishing and getting to know local people, while Asia is more committed to research and protecting the porpoises. While battling the elements--not to mention shady people more committed to tearing down the Wildes than uplifting the vaquitas--the kids once again face a boatload of challenges and must rely on their wits and teamwork. An exciting story highlighting critical environmental issues. (Adventure. 9-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.