Plight of the Pelican: A Detailed Review

Plot Summary, Characters, and Setting

Plight of the Pelican: How Science Saved a Species, written by Jessica Stremer and illustrated by Gordy Wright, published by Holiday House, tells the compelling true story of how the American brown pelican, once on the brink of extinction, was brought back from the edge. The narrative centers on the devastating impact of the pesticide DDT, which thinned the eggshells of pelicans and other birds, leading to widespread reproductive failure. The book follows the journey of scientific discovery and conservation efforts that identified DDT as the culprit and led to its eventual ban. While the book doesn’t focus on a single human protagonist, the scientific community and dedicated conservationists act as the collective heroes. The setting spans the coastal regions of North America, particularly where pelicans breed and thrive, highlighting the environmental damage and subsequent recovery.

Overall Thoughts and Feelings

This book is a truly remarkable achievement, offering a powerful and accessible account of a significant environmental success story. It manages to be both scientifically accurate and deeply moving, a delicate balance that many books for young audiences struggle to attain. My overall impression is one of profound admiration for the way it educates and inspires. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance in the face of ecological disaster.

Writing Style and Character Development

Jessica Stremer’s writing style is nothing short of poetic. The prose flows beautifully, creating a lyrical quality that makes the scientific information engaging rather than dry. This is a “poetic picture book” that lives up to its description, conveying complex ecological impacts without resorting to oversimplification. While the book is not character-driven in the traditional sense, the “characters” are the pelicans themselves, whose plight is rendered with great empathy. The scientific community is also implicitly characterized through their dedication and intellectual pursuit of solutions.

Literary Themes and Motifs

Several key literary themes and motifs are woven throughout the narrative:

Environmental Impact of Pesticides: This is the central theme, with DDT’s detrimental effects on wildlife serving as the primary narrative driver.

Scientific Discovery and Problem Solving: The book showcases the power of scientific inquiry to identify environmental hazards and develop solutions.

Conservation and Hope: The story is ultimately one of hope, demonstrating that dedicated conservation efforts can lead to species recovery.

Interconnectedness of Ecosystems: The impact of DDT on pelicans highlights the ripple effects that pollutants can have throughout an entire ecosystem.

Pacing and Structure

The pacing of Plight of the Pelican is masterfully handled. It begins by establishing the beauty and abundance of the pelican population, then introduces the looming threat of DDT and its devastating consequences. The structure effectively builds tension as the scientific investigation unfolds and culminates in the hopeful narrative of recovery following the ban of DDT. The story held my interest throughout, offering a clear and compelling arc. There were no parts that felt slow or confusing; the information was presented logically and engagingly.

Author’s Use of Language and Vivid Imagery

Stremer’s command of language is exceptional. She uses evocative words and phrases that paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. The illustrations by Gordy Wright perfectly complement the text, bringing the scenes to life with both beauty and stark realism.

Memorable Passages:

One particularly striking aspect is the description of the pelicans’ struggle. The author manages to convey the silent desperation of the birds without anthropomorphizing them excessively. Passages detailing the thinness of the eggshells and the subsequent failures are rendered with a sensitive touch that evokes empathy without being overly graphic for a young audience.

Emotional Impact

The book elicits a range of strong emotions. There is a sense of sadness and concern as the reader learns about the pelicans’ suffering. This is balanced by a growing sense of hope and admiration as the scientific and conservation efforts come to fruition. The story is profoundly moving, particularly in its depiction of a species on the brink and its subsequent resurgence. It provokes deep thought about our responsibility towards the environment and the impact of our actions.

Themes and Messages

The author’s primary message is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and the profound impact that human actions can have on the natural world. Plight of the Pelican successfully conveys the importance of scientific research, environmental stewardship, and the potential for recovery when decisive action is taken.

Social and Cultural Commentary:

The book serves as a subtle but potent commentary on the dangers of unchecked industrial practices and the critical need for environmental regulation. It highlights how scientific understanding can challenge and ultimately change harmful societal practices.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

  • Informative and Engaging: The book brilliantly educates readers about a crucial environmental issue in an accessible and captivating way.
  • Poetic Prose: Stremer’s writing is beautiful and lyrical, making the scientific content enjoyable to read.
  • Stunning Illustrations: Gordy Wright’s artwork is a significant asset, enhancing the narrative and visual appeal.
  • Hopeful Message: It offers a positive and inspiring story of environmental recovery.
  • Accuracy: The book is commendable for its scientific accuracy while remaining appropriate for young readers.

Weaknesses:

It is difficult to identify significant weaknesses in this book. If anything, one might wish for an even deeper dive into the specific scientific mechanisms, but that would likely alter the intended audience and format.

Recommendations and Comparisons

I would absolutely recommend Plight of the Pelican to anyone, particularly children aged 7 and up who have an interest in birds, nature, or environmental science. It is an excellent resource for educators and parents looking to introduce young minds to important ecological concepts.

For those who enjoyed this book, I would also recommend other nature-focused picture books that blend science and narrative, such as those that tell the stories of other endangered species brought back from the brink. While I cannot draw direct comparisons without knowing other works by Jessica Stremer or Gordy Wright, this book stands out as a superb example of its genre.

Overall Rating and Impression

Plight of the Pelican: How Science Saved a Species is an outstanding book that succeeds on all fronts. It is an informative, beautifully written, and visually stunning testament to the power of science and conservation. It leaves the reader with a sense of awe for the natural world and hope for its future.

Where to Get It

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars