Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a wildlife scientist and science communicator. Her work is primarily focused on the use of innovative technology for wildlife conservation. Vanessa has travelled the world for humpback whale research, and her most famous research involves the use of drones to collect whale snot! Samantha Metcalfe is a natural history illustrator who finds inspiration in the unique biodiversity of the Australian bush. Working primarily in colour pencil, her realistic and detailed illustrations often focus on capturing Australia's native flora and fauna.
""Readers will learn about breeding, feeding, communication, food chains and some of the threats faced by whales. Non-fiction information is softened by lyrical descriptions – ‘painting a picture’ rather than just recounting the facts. Samantha Metcalfe specialises in wildlife illustration, and this is evident in the detail and realism of her illustrations."" -- Laura Holloway * CBCA Reading Time *