When a boy helps free a dolphin tangled in a discarded fishing net, they develop an unexpected friendship.

Once there was a boy who lived by the sea. He loved the sea and he swam in it every day he could ... which was most days. He was a very good swimmer.

One day, the boy was swimming as usual when he noticed some splashing further out in the water. He decided to take a closer look.

FINALIST, Wright Family Foundation Te Kura Pounamu Award for Te Reo Māori.

Watch that dolphin surfing on a surging wave! The strength of this pakiwaitara (story) is the te reo content, which flows as faultlessly as the illustrations. The text encourages the importance of kaitiakitanga by taking care of the environment and being kind to sea creatures. The clever use of watercolour illustrations supports the sea theme, gently reminding the reader that it's never too late to play with or to save a dolphin.