Gift Of The Whales

A recent winner of a Parent's Choice award, this excellent family program winningly combines good story values with a wealth of information about those ancient and mysterious behemoths: the whales. Dan Hunter, a young Native American boy, who has recently lost his father to the sea, visits his grandfather, who tells him a legend about the "gift" of the whale. On the coastal shore, he encounters a marine biologist who piques his interest in, and answers his questions about, whales. Lovely footage of the humpbacked whales playing and singing is accompanied by interesting facts about the various kinds of whales, their eating habits, intelligence, migratory patterns, use of echo radar, and diminishing numbers. Particular emphasis is given to marine ecology, in general, with the biologist underscoring the importance of keeping the water clean. Keeping within the narrative structure, the story will manage to keep younger children entertained, while also laying the groundwork for a healthy respect of the whale's "home". Beautifully photographed by Jan C. Nickman and Rustin Thompson, this initial entry in Miramar's "Legend" series is highly recommended. (Available from: Miramar Images, 202 Second Avenue West, Seattle, WA 98119. After January 1, the title will be available from Twin Towers through a number of distributors.)