Orla the Orca and the Keepsake Clams

by Louisa McLennan. Shortlistee of the Best Picture Book Text competition 2022

Spread 1

[Orla is a young orca playing in the waves.]

Orla loved acrobatics.

She was brilliant at barrel rolls, terrific at tide tumbles, and she had just aced her first flying spiral jump.

‘Splashing!’ Nanna cheered.

Spread 2

‘Listen Orla,’ called Mum. ‘Your brother clicked his first word!’

‘Darfiss,’ said Wavey.

‘Starfish?’ said Orla. ‘Fintastic! My first word was…’

Spread 3

But Orla couldn’t remember what her first word was.

Actually, she couldn’t remember catching her first fish either.

Or when she got her first tooth.

‘Nanna will know,’ she said.

Continued…