Turquoise Dolphins

Turquoise Dolphins: A Story for School Day Rebels

Scoot stared ahead, watching the sea. At the same time, he reflected on all the things he saw in and around the reef. The dog, sitting with its head under his chin, was a perfect companion. "Brownie", Scoot thought, would be a good name for such a dog. They had shared a lovely day but, to make it perfect, he wanted to watch turquoise dolphins play. He switched the motor off and let the boat slow down.

A shining movement caught his attention, and there they were! Three sleek and beautiful dolphins came leaping alongside the little craft. Perfectly matching one another's great, curving jumps, glistening with water, they were vigorous and wonderful.

Lisette Skeet grew up in the village of Great Horkesley, near Colchester in Essex. In those days it was countrified, with orchards and a stony track in front of her house. Today, there are more housing estates and busier roads.

"I live in a quiet corner of Halstead, Essex now, and I love the scene at the front of my house where there is a green space and a duck pond surrounded by foliage. I can watch mallards, coots, magpies, pigeons, squirrels, and an occasion visiting muntjac deer. When drivers began to spoil the grassy area about eight years ago, I liaised with the council to place wooden bollards, which prevent them from reversing onto the grass and spoiling it."

She is a counsellor, including grief counselling, and a dog behavioural therapist.

On the brightest of late summer days, a fourteen-year-old boy named Scoot hops out of bed with a very different plan from his school's timetable. Full of energy, he seeks freedom for one brilliant day, and in a little boat of his own, Scoot sets sail.

His charming mother and kind stepdad understand Scoot's need for freedom, but when tutors recommend a course of higher education, they wonder if they can encourage Scoot to accept the opportunity.

An exciting stranger joins Scoot's circle of friends. He matches Scoot's daring to surf the big waves. Challenges arise to make Scoot resourceful, and as he learns more about himself and the importance of courage, there's a temptation to escape the path that seems mapped out for him.

This fresh and colourful tale will give readers pause for reflection on the joys of the natural world, comparing it with the confines and convention of the school room.

(About the Author)

 Lisette Skeet lives in Halstead, Essex, England.