Fogliano, Julie. 2013. IF YOU WANT TO SEE A
WHALE. Ill. by Erin E. Stead. New York: Roaring Brook Press. ISBN 9781596437319
[Suggested Grade Levels P-2]
REVIEW
This clever advice book for young whale
watchers includes helpful tips as well as activities to avoid while looking for
the elusive mammals. Instead of stopping to smell the roses or investigate
small insects along the beach, Fogliano cautions her readers to be patient and stay
attentive to the sea. Children shouldn’t gaze at passing ships “because possible
pirates won’t help at all when you’re waiting for a whale.”
Stead’s pencil illustrations perfectly
complement Fogliano’s story of a leisurely day spent whale watching. The soft
colors and simple nautical scenes fit the peaceful mood of the story. Young
children will enjoy finding the whale outlines hidden in some of the pictures
and spotting the little bird that accompanies the boy while he waits.
Readers follow the boy’s day as he leaves his
window, walks to the beach, and boards his small rowboat in hopes of a whale
sighting. The young boy, his dog, and the bird are eventually rewarded for
their patience and persistence when a large whale pops up in front of their
boat.
CONNECTIONS
This lovely picture book would be a great
read aloud selection. Pair this book with non-fiction titles about whales for an
ocean unit or encourage children to patiently search for other animals in their
local habitats.
RELATED BOOKS
Other
books for children about whales:
Antill,
Sara. A WHALE’S LIFE. ISBN 9781448849789
Bunting,
Eve. WHALES PASSING. ISBN 9781413162738
Gunzi, Christiane. THE BEST BOOK OF WHALES
AND DOLPHINS. ISBN 9781428712690
By Kimberly C. Kinnaird
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