Jane Yolen, Author
Melanie Cataldo, Illustrator
Candlewick Press, Fiction, July 16, 2015
Suitable for Ages: 5-9
Themes: Whales, Nature, Death, Anger, Grief
Opening: “We were walking home from school, hurrying along the top of the dunes because Ma always hates when we’re late for supper.”
Synopsis: While walking home from school along the dunes in Maine, Sally and her brothers spot an enormous whale stranded on the beach. The siblings take off their sweaters, dip them into the cold briny water and rush back to wet down the whale. Realizing they need more help, Josh runs for help and returns with many people carrying buckets. The Coast Guard arrives and begins to help. But the tide is going out quickly and the whale is just too big. Time is running out.
Why I like this book:
- Jane Yolen has written a touching story that will tug at your heart. The story is set in 1971 and it reminds me of lengthier picture books written at that time. Yolen carefully chooses her language. Her text is rich, lyrical and carries you like a poem. Melanie Cataldo’s uses muted tones in her oil and pencil illustrations. They contribute to the emotion and vulnerability of the story.
- Because it is 1971, the three siblings don’t have modern cell phones to call for help. This adds to the tension because so much time is lost. Sally and her brothers have to rely upon their own resources to help the whale. Josh has to run a mile to find an emergency telephone. It takes a while before the town people and Coast Guard arrive with buckets to wet down the whale. They all try to push the whale back into the ebbing sea. There are no fire hoses or lifts. This is a nice contrast/comparison story for readers.
- The story is narrated by Sally, who is brave and strong. While Josh is sad about the situation, Sally is mad at everything. She’s mad at the ocean for deserting the whale. She’s mad that they didn’t have a boat and long ropes to pull it into the sea. Sally is also compassionate and looks deeply into the whales eye and sees a tear. She continues wetting down the whale “one sweater, two sweaters at a time.” She tells the whale it is “beautiful and strong, how much she would miss it, whatever happened next.”
- The ending is realistic. (Spoiler alert) Despite their efforts to rescue the whale, Sally and her brothers learn that not all living creatures can be saved. This is an important truth for children.
Resources: Yolen has an Author’s Note at the end. She talks about why she chose the setting and time frame. She also gives a lot information about how many whales are found on beaches annually and the many reasons for why they beach. There are many good discussion points for parents/teachers and children in this story. Today is Endangered Species Day. Make sure you check out the Endangered Species Coalition website.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
That sounds gripping, Pat. I often think about drivers who break down with their phones to call for help. They don’t have to walk for ages to call for help.
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Yes, this takes us back (even 20 yrs ago) when we relied on telephones and didn’t have cell phones to call for help. But, I really enjoyed Jane’s storytelling – such a master with words and images. Thanks for the RT.
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I love this book. Jane isn’t afraid to go sad places. Definitely one that raises a lot of talking points.
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I believe there are times when realism is important for children. You are right, Jane isn’t afraid to go sad places. Glad you liked the book as much as I did.
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Whales are creatures very dear to my heart. I must read this book — and although I always yearn for a happy ending, I’m grateful that Jane was realistic in her portrayal. I can imagine this book leads to many heartfelt discussions within families. Thank you for sharing it with us, Pat.
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Yes, I have an affinity for whales too. I love stories and movies about them. This book will lead to important discussions between parent and child. I went on a whale-watching trip years ago and didn’t see one. So disappointing. Thank you for stopping.
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Pingback: The Stranded Whale — Children’s Books Heal – Jasper Lynn
This sounds incredibly powerful and moving. And I like that the ending is realistic and that we see the kids feeling, naturally enough, anger and sadness. I’ll look for this one. Thanks for sharing!
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You will enjoy Jane’s realistic and powerful story for kids. I hope you get a copy. Thanks for visiting!
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Lovely book. Such a reminder of life’s cycle. Gripping.
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Yes, wish I had thought about that description!
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I think it’s important for children to read books that touch on hard issues like death. This sounds like a wonderful powerful and moving book. Will look for it at the library. Great review, Pat.
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I agree. It is a moving story. You should find it in your library.
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Excellent idea for a book. The cover is touching. Children and adults will love this book. It will create much discussion I am sure.
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Yes, it was the cover that grabbed my attention. I think kids need to be exposed to realistic story — even if they are sad.
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I love this book – definitely a perfect choice for Endangered Species Day.
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Yes, it is a perfect choice for Endangered Species Day. Jane is such a master storyteller.
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I haven’t read this but just put it on my list. It sounds wonderful.
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It is good story for children and parents to discuss.
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Yikes. Important truth, but tough topic. I’ll definitely keep an eye open for this one.
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It’s a very moving story. Thanks for stopping.
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Sounds like a really good book for starting a discussion. The cover image is simple but evokes a lot of emotion.
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Yes, I loved the emotion in the cover. It’s what drew me to the story. Yolen weaves a story that is both beautiful and sad.
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Definitely on the same wavelength for these reviews, Pat. These would be great companion texts as in one the whale is saved and in the other, sadly not. This gentle reality is important for young children.
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Yes, when I saw your review, I thought WOW! We were both on the same page sharing different outcomes and focusing on the fragility of marine life.
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I haven’t read this book yet. Now have it on my list for the library.
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I hope you enjoy reading Jane Yolen’s important story.
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I know I’m going to love this story, and I know I’ll need to read it with a box of tissues.
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It is sad but in a beautiful way when you think about the cycles of life.
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Beautiful cover, hope my library has it!
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Yes, you would love the gorgeous illustrations. The book is longer in text and reminds you of the 70s.
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I was able to get it through our interlibrary loan system. Thanks, Patricia!
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This is very moving. Love the cover. Hoping to pick it up at the library when I next visit. Whale beaching often happens here in New Zealand and sometimes does not end well. Great reality story.
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I know you’d love this story. I’m sure you’ll find it in your library!
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I have a whale loving niece who would love this story. I’ll send her the link to your review. Come to think of it, I’ll also track this one down for myself.
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It is a really good book that is realistic!
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