Flute – A Beautiful Dolphin Picture Book
Flute by Kasey Whitelaw and illustrated by Jenni Goodman is a beautiful Australian picture book about a dolphin from Monkey Mia. Flute was published by Wombat Books and awarded a CBCA Notable for the Eve Pownall Award. In this interview, I chat with marine biologist and author, Kasey and illustrator, Jenni about how this story went from idea to a book on the shelf.
Kasey Whitelaw, author of Flute is a marine biologist, educator and children’s author with a passion for connecting children to science and nature through storytelling and education. She joins us to share her experiences with Flute and the other dolphins at Monkey Mia, Western Australia.
Hi, Kasey! Can you tell us about some of your favourite times with Flute
It was all such a special time. Watching them in their natural environment is just the
best. When talking about Flute, though, I feel like I also need to talk about her family
and friends because they are such an important part of her life. As a group, they are
extremely social and very skilled hunters. Watching them forage and trap fish in very
shallow water never gets old. It’s a bit like a game of cat and mouse. Flute, though,
is especially well known for her cheekiness and extremely high leaps. She would win
the high jump at the dolphin Olympics.
What were some surprising things you discovered in your research as a marine biologist at Monkey Mia?
A lot of what I learned came from observations over a long period of time. Even
though I did a lot of dolphin data and statistics (which the nerd in me loves!), I think
there is something important in watching wild behaviours in real time. Over time, I
could predict most behaviours before they happened, which is truly something
special. For example, a loud popping noise from the blowhole was a sign of
frustration or upset often leading to a disagreement between dolphins. Whereas, a
dolphins underside turning pink could indicate excitement or stress.
There are quite a few dedicated groups of researchers from all over the world that
study the dolphins. Some of their findings are firsts in the world. They are out there
collecting blow and poo samples and spending long hours on the water. It really is an
important study site for bottlenose dolphins and seagrass ecosystems.
One cool finding is tool use in bottlenose dolphins. Some very clever groups of
dolphins have learnt to use sponges and conch shells as hunting tools.
When did you first think Flute could be the star of a children’s book?
That’s a great question. While all the Monkey Mia dolphins are wonderful and
fascinating, I chose Flute because she is very cheeky and social. Statistics show that
she plays and socialises almost twice as much as other dolphins. She is a real social
butterfly.
Another reason is that her family are very skilled hunters and are often seen along
the shoreline catching fish. This gives people the chance to see Flute and her
impressive skills in real life. I also have that personal connection to her as I watched
her grow up.
What will primary school students be able to discuss and learn about in the
classroom with their teachers after reading Flute?
Flute has many layers, which is what I love about writing narrative non-fiction.
It explores themes of resilience, determination, support and togetherness. As well as
the natural world, dolphin biology and conservation. The narrative weaves in plenty
of facts about bottlenose dolphins and their ocean environment.
The story offers opportunities to discuss perseverance, problem-solving, and
emotional strength as students follow Flute’s journey. It encourages children to
consider how they respond to challenges and setbacks, and how determination can
help them grow stronger. It highlights the importance of support networks, sparking
conversations about a child’s own support group.
Students can also learn about the basic biological and social needs of
animals—such as food, oxygen, shelter, and safety—and how the ocean
environment fulfills these needs. The story introduces real-world issues like boating
and noise pollution, which can lead to discussions about how we can help protect
ocean habitats and the animals that live in them.
How can parents and teachers follow you and your work?
I’m most active on Instagram (@seakidsalliance), so came say hi there!
Otherwise, you can visit www.seakidsalliance.com
Illustrating Flute
Jenni Goodman is the illustrator of Flute and has created beautiful illustrations for the story. But how does an illustrator prepare to illustrate a story that takes place in a different part of the country? What did she learn while researching? Let’s ask Jenni.
Capturing authentic Monkey Mia
Hey Jenni, How did you make sure you captured the local area authentically for where the story takes place?
When I received the manuscript for Flute, I was so excited because I had seen pictures of Monkey Mia when I was a little girl and have always been fascinated by it. After doing some initial research for the project, I realised that some of my assumptions about Monkey Mia and the surrounding area were inaccurate, so I decided I would need to see it for myself. I took a trip over to W.A. and spent 5 days in Monkey Mia – it was absolutely incredible!
My trip not only helped me to get a clear picture of the landscape of the area, but it also acquainted me with numerous animals and their behaviours which I would have otherwise missed. Once I was back home, I continued to research heavily to make sure the sea creatures, plants and animals I included were accurate.
Any errors I made were picked up in the feedback I received from the author, Kasey, and one of her colleagues. I got one piece of important feedback about one of my illustrations right at the end of the project; I had somehow muddled-up which species of blue spotted ray was local to the area and had included the wrong one! Luckily this was noticed before the book went to print, and I was able to redraw and photoshop in the correct species – phew!
Illustrator Research Trip
Tell us about what you did on your research trip
I took lots of walks to really get to know the area. I took heaps of photos and made lots of notes. I went to the Monkey Mia Dolphin experience every morning not only to see the dolphins, but also to hear the rangers talk and learn more about them and their behaviours. The lovely dolphin research team met up with me, and took out on their boat for one of their research sessions. I got to see heaps of exciting animals (including a dugong, flying fish, rays, sea snakes and, of course, the dolphins!) and got to chat with them about their research, and watch them work. They told me so many fascinating things! I also spent lots of time sketching dolphins.
Surprising Monkey Mia Facts
What surprising things did you see on your research trip?
One of my favourite things to see in Monkey Mia was some of the behaviours of the animals there. It was awesome to see emus cooling off in the ocean, and dolphins swimming belly up to catch fish (a fun feeding technique called ‘snacking’)!
And although I had seen pictures, I was genuinely surprised by how deep and rich the colour of the sand was. It was so red!
Favourite Flute Illustration
Is there a particular spread or page that you enjoyed illustrating the most?
I think I had the most fun illustrating the page where Flute is resting at the surface and a fish, crab and tiger shark watch from below. I liked making the wavy lines of the seagrass and fish patterns best! I also really loved making the jellyfish page and the swirly patterns in the water on the page where Flute surfaces to find she is alone.
Follow Jenni Goodman
How can people follow you and your work?
People can follow my social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook, visit my website, or email me at jennigoodman@gmail.com to join my mailing list.
Get Flute for your home or classroom
Enjoy story time with your little dolphin lovers at home or in your primary school class. They’ll love to share a dolphin picture book with you and learn lots about bottle nose dolphins in the process. Congratulations to Kasey and Jenni for being announced a notable in the Eve Pownall Award for the CBCA 2026 Book of the Year Awards!
