On Hostile Shores

Book excerpt: Nada, one of thirteen nutria brought to Avery Island (not an island, but a salt dome) by E. A. McIlhenny (Mr. Ned) for experimental stock breeding purposes, is the runt of the group and is blind in one eye. During a hurricane, the nutria pen topples over, and Nada and her friends escape. Nada runs under Mr. Ned's house, but the others run off in different directions. The next day, Nada sets off to find her friends. Nada's search takes her to four other salt domes. She finds each of her friends, but they have been influenced by the life on the salt domes and have become very different in their behavior. Nada wants her friends to return to live together on Avery Island where they can teach the young all of the nutria traditions. But she fails. Nada finds her way into a rice paddy where Gertrude Gallinule attacks her. She escapes. With the help of Lawrence Lizard, her friends come to visit and cheer her up. An egret comes to tell of strange goings on at Jefferson Island and that all the nutria must go there immediately because Lothario's family is in danger. Nada saves Lothario's wives and children who are trapped under the Joseph Jefferson House that is collapsing. When the nutria see how Nada risks her life for them, they are ashamed of their behavior and agree to stay together on Avery Island where they live happily ever after. This book is aimed at 8-12 year olds, but its serious moral nature will appeal to all ages.