Pick of the Day: If You Want to See a Whale

A lovely offering that evokes the mystery and vastness of the sea
Green sea, yellow boat on topFOGLIANO, 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    

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