It's June - winter in South Africa, and Martine and her grandmother are enjoying a cold but beautiful walk along the beach when they find a stranded, dying dolphin. Who can she trust? And how far will she go to save the only friend she has ever known? Her wild, beautiful new home is riddled with secrets, but lonely Martine finds comfort in the legend of a white giraffe and in mysterious Grace, who believes Martine has a powerful gift.ĭefying her grandmother by entering the reserve alone, Martine is plunged into a world of danger, mystery and adventure. Ages 8-up.When tragedy strikes on a winter's night in England, Martine is sent to live with her grandmother on a game reserve in South Africa. A fast pace, strong supporting cast and ample drama-including an especially theatrical finale-will serve the story well in its film adaptation, which Walden Media is developing with Twentieth Century Fox.
For his part, Dean contributes charming watercolor illustrations that open each chapter. John provides plenty of unexpected twists. And though it comes as no surprise that she is the youngster capable of fulfilling the legend, St. When she encounters the gentle creature one night, she feels an immediate bond and even knows what he’s thinking.
Make your decisions wisely.” The perceptive woman also mentions there are “too many secrets at Sawubona” indeed, Martine’s many questions to her stony grandmother are met by a “wall of silence.” Martine is intrigued by rumors that an elusive white giraffe resides on the grounds of the reserve-a local legend holds that the child who is able to ride a white giraffe will have power over all the animals. Soon after the 11-year-old’s arrival, a Zulu healer with second sight tells the girl that she has a special gift and warns her that it “can be a blessin’ or a curse. The woman, whose husband died at the hands of animal poachers, owns Sawubona, a game reserve and wildlife sanctuary. Her tale centers on recently orphaned Martine, who moves from England to South Africa to live with the grandmother she’s never met. John, whose author’s note explains that she grew up on a farm in Zimbabwe that was partially a game reserve, brings characters and setting to life with equal clarity in her debut children’s book.
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