FOGLIANO, Julie. If You Want to See a Whale. illus. by Erin E. Stead. 32p. Roaring Brook/Neal Porter. 2013. RTE $16.99. ISBN 978-1-59643-731-9. LC 2012012988.
PreS-Gr 2–A poetic text advises children what to do (and not do) if they want to see a whale, as the illustrations show a boy, a dog, and a bird trying out the actions suggested: “…if you want to see a whale,/you will need a not-so-comfy chair/and a not-so-cozy blanket/because sleeping eyes can’t watch for whales…” and “…if you want to see a whale/you shouldn’t watch the clouds/…because if you start to look straight up/you might just miss a whale.” An imaginative effort, the book uses linoleum printing techniques and pencil for the softly colored illustrations. It is also designed with a great deal of white space, which deftly evokes the mystery and vastness of the sea. A unique and lovely offering that will appeal to sensitive and patient children.–Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA
Comment Policy: Your words are your own, so be nice and helpful if you can. We accept clean XHTML in comments, but don't overdo it and please limit the number of links submitted in your comment. For more info, see the full Terms of Use.