Whistling

by Elizabeth Partridge, Anna Grossnickle Hines (Illustrator)

"Jake," Daddy whispers. "It's almost time." As the sky begins to lighten, Jake and his daddy, camping in the forest, awaken with a special plan for greeting the day. Elizabeth Partridge's story about a father and son spending time together is illustrated with stunning hand-sewn quilts by Anna Grossnickle Hines.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Poetry, Family

Hardcover

First published April 15, 2003

Reviews

[Rachel Olive · Rating 3 out of 5]

Summary: Whistling by Elizabeth Partridge is a fiction picture book that begins with the dad whispering to the son to wake up and that the time has come. It begins with wonderment of what the dad and son are about to experience together. When it is finally time, the boy begins whistling and from that he brings animals awake and they all join around. His dad begins whistling with him and together they whistle up the sun.
Analysis: I really enjoyed this book for sweet sentimental reasons. The illustrations were very intriguing as they were all scrap quilts that the illustrator pulled into the illustrations. This was a very inclusive idea of them being camping and it pulled in that feeling. The warmth that this book brought was very enjoyable to read.
How I would use this book: I would probably not have this book in my classroom, because it feels more like a bedtime story book to me. I like the message, but I would probably not use it for anything specific in my classroom. If I were to have it, it would be on the shelf for a fun read.

[Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the pictures in this book because they were quilts! I also really liked the idea of whistling up the sun!

[Terresa Wellborn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful father/son book about an early morning under the stars. Simple, delightful, sweet. The quilted illustrations are a bonus.

[Gail Barge]

This book was meaningful for me because I remember struggling to learn to whistle when I was a child. I remember the moment I finally whistled, even to this day. The most impressive thing about this book are the beautiful illustrations made of fabric. The end of the book includes a description as well as step by step instructions and pictures as to how Anna Grossnickle Hines created the beautiful quilts for the illustrations. This could be a good connection to make with other books about quilts and the historical significance of quilts for many cultures. I am reminded of The Freedom Quilt and how quilts were used for the Underground Railroad.

[Jackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A father and son are camping as they plan a unique greeting to the morning sun...Jake has practiced and practiced. And, finally, he does it! Whistles to wake the new day and greet a morning sun. "We whistled up the sun." says Dad. Whistling is a delightful picture book that depicts the bond between a young son and a father sharing a special time and making memories.

Used October, 2009 "Let's Camp-Out!" storytime.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really a 4.5. At first it seems like it's just a story about a little boy learning how to whistle - but then there is the surprise ending. As a quilter I was in love with the illustrations. Yes, each illustration was hand quilted. The author even gives a how-to at the end of the book.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet story with gorgeous quilted illustrations.

[Greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the concept for the artwork. The pictures are actually all made out of quilts.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing book. The illustrations were actually quilt pieces. She explained how she put it all together. This book deserves nothing less than five stars just for that. Nice story too.

[Courtney Sharpton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the illustration. The story was ok, but showing students that illustrations can created other than paper and pencil is important.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A boy and his father wait to watch the sun rise together and the boy displays his whistling prowess as he and his father attempt to whistle the sun up. It's a nice short story. I liked it.

[Brenna Call · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this story was a little pointless. Also, the fabric illustrations were kinda neat but not really my thing.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun one to read with my daughter. SHe just learned to whistle.

[Kristin Sprague · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love campfires.

[Amy Rhilinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE, love, love quilt illustrations.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The quilted illustrations are simply beautiful. The story is so-so.

[Michelle Farella · Rating 2 out of 5]

odd artwork

[Priscilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

A journey of a neglected little girl and a young black woman through 1960s South. Their relationship is built midst the difficult racial struggles of the times.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

father and son; father's day; camping