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Dolphin Diaries: Apollo's Mission by Ben M. Baglio.

When I was little, I saw this old show called Flipper, and I totally got into dolphins. They're really intelligent and beautiful animals, aren't they? When Lesa told us about these books, I could hardly wait to start reading. I know you're going to love them too...

Dolphin Diaries follows the adventures of Jodi McGrath's family as they travel around the world on a yacht to study and meet dolphins. It's like a dream come true, isn't it? Jodi is writing down everything that happens in her diaries, which are filled with stories of amazing people, beautiful places, and some of the most incredible dolphins ever. In book one, you get to meet a dolphin who will become really important to Jodi, named Apollo. It really shows how humans and dolphins can bond, and come together in strange and dangerous situations. I just have to say, reading these books have made me want to go out there and work with dolphins, too... and hopefully, one day I will!

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We had a chance to ask Ben M. Baglio a few questions about Dolphin Diaries, and here's what he had to say.

CJ: Do you have a special interest in dolphins? Why did you choose to write about them?

I started to scuba dive around four years ago and came in contact with my first dolphins in the Red Sea. They're such beautiful creatures that I wanted to find out more about them. When I started to do research, I realised that there were lots of different types of dolphins, all around the world. So I thought a series about all these fascinating creatures would be a good idea.

Kate: Have you ever travelled like Jodi does? Have you ever swum with dolphins?

I try to go diving at least twice a year, and I usually live on board a boat for a week at a time. I'll do as many as 25 dives in a week, and if I'm lucky, I'll see some dolphins in the water (as well as coral, eels, and sharks!). I just got back from the southern Red Sea, and had a dive with 7 dolphins. It was terrific!

Lesa: What's the best part of writing a series like this?

Being able to tell readers stories about such amazing animals. (And also being able to travel to do my research!)

Jenni: Do you have any tips for us on keeping diaries, like Jody does?

Try to write something every day; it gets much easier to keep a diary if you get into a regular habit. And don't think you have to detail every single event of the day; just pick out one or two highlights and write as much as you want to about them.

CJ: Do you have anything big planned for Jody and her family in upcoming books? (Your secret is safe with us!!)

Yes! Jody and Brittany take a week out from their trip around the world and fly to the Canary Islands, off the coast of Spain, to see the largest dolphins in the world! (This happens in Book 7, FOLLOWING THE RAINBOW.)

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