Maya: Bay of the Dolphin

by Suzanne de Board

Seven-year-old Maya has lost her best friend, her Nana. When Nana's ashes are strew in the ocean, where Papa's ashes had been strewn, Maya sees a large blue dolphin who seems to be calling to someone, or something. Maya is convinced that this is her Papa coming to take Nana home with him. Although he parents try to tell her how impossible this is, nothing can shake her faith. Maya is the story of a child dealing with the loss of a family member. This story is a chapter book, primarily for the seven to ten year old, but is enjoyed by 'children' of all ages.

106 pages, Paperback

First published October 12, 2013

About the author

Hi. My name is Suzanne Holbrook-Brumbaugh. However, I am becoming better known by my pen name - Suzanne de Board. I am an author, an artist, a musician and a crafter. But my primary interest at the moment is in my writing. I have twenty-one books out at present, and hope to have four + more out by the end of the year. They tell me I write children’s books for adults, which simply means my books appeal to all ages, from young to older, or to put it delicately, mature adults. None of us are really ‘old’ are we? The San Bernardino County Library refers to my books as middle grade/young adult/adult, although two of my upcoming books are Chapter Books, so will include the younger set. I also painted the back covers for two of my books. I enjoy people of all ages as well as a wide variety of activities. I am also a guest teacher on the Hesperia Unified School District in the High Desert of Southern California. If you are interested in Fantasy, Mystery, or Short Stories/Poetry, please check out my Author page – Suzanne de Board. Hope you like my books, and will put your reviews on my page. You can also check out my website, if you would like, at www.penpearls.com.

Reviews

[Brody Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very sweet story of a little girl who longs for her grandmother and grandfather. The build up of the story over summer vacation to visit the family beach house where the grandparents ashes were spread and the introduction of the dolphins is brought to a very climatic and happy ending for the family and especially for the little girl. This is a good story for children of all ages to read and enjoy.

[Kayla Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a cute story. It is the story of seven year old Maya who loses her nana, her best friend. The family spreads her cremated ashes out to sea, and Maya spots a dolphin who she believes is her papa taking her nana with him.

The story continues with her parents struggle to make her believe she is not seeing her grandparents and that it is only marine animals.

The whole story is wonderful, but the ending is perfect. It put a smile on my face and brought a tear to my eye. I can't wait to read it with my kids.

It is very well written. I feel like it is a treasure for all ages, but especially the youngest readers. Books for young audiences are very much Straight to the point without much imagery or description for fear that the young reader can't understand the concept of the story. This story is quite the opposite. The author really delivers the scene and story simplistically and eloquently.