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Humphrey the Lost Whale
The true story of Wrong Way Humphrey
32 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
8 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 27, 2013
We got this for our 3 yr old's birthday party this summer and what an awesome book! All my kids love it, my preschoolers and my 5 yr old alike! A story about a lost whale named Humphrey who got stuck in the San Francisco Bay back in 1985, an event I hadn't heard anything about. (I had been ten yrs old at the time) It talks about his migration patterns, how they recognized him year after year, and how the people banded together to get him out of his predicament. At the very end, it has even more information about the event, with real photographs to accompany it and maps of the area with the path Humphrey took on his quest. Something that had all my children engaged as I read, I can see this being one we read over and over again.
October 8, 2018
This true story brings the drama and triumphant successes. A very sweet book!
February 15, 2020
This is a great book that I read with my niece, Jayda. She read the book to me, and we watched the video about Humphrey’s journey through the San Francisco Bay and up the Sacramento River.
I remember seeing this story televised on the news as a child. I believe this is where my love for humpback whales began.
I remember seeing this story televised on the news as a child. I believe this is where my love for humpback whales began.
January 9, 2008
Useful book for our local children at the time because they knew about the true news story about Humphrey the Whale, a creature that inspired my and others' great concern.
June 30, 2025
A must have if you've got any connection to the Bay Area. By itself it's artwork is engaging as is the story. The bonus is its a true story that's fascinating for adults and kids alike. You not only learn about Humphrey but Humpback Whales as well.
February 26, 2025
A humpback whale becomes separated from his pod, swimming under the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco Bay, and then up the Sacramento River to Rio Vista in this lovely picture book retelling of a true story. Soon attracting the attention of the human residents of the Bay Area, Humphrey, as he comes to be known, eventually becomes stuck when the water around him becomes too shallow. It is then that the Coast Guard and local scientists and concerned citizens step in to try to get Humphrey turned around, and headed back to deeper waters, and to safety...
Humphrey's inland odyssey was big news back in 1985, when the story first broke, and co-authors (and husband-and-wife team) Wendy Tokuda and Richard Hall were both working in the media, Tokuda as a San Francisco news anchor and Hall as a news executive. Japanese illustrator Hanako Wakiyama was studying in the Bay Area at the time of the book's publication. Apparently Humphrey became stranded a second time in 1990, with the Coast Guard and Marine Mammal Center coming to the rescue again, but that would have occurred after the 1986 publication of Humphrey, The Lost Whale: A True Story. In any case, I found this a charming book, appreciating both the story, in which a lost cetacean attracts the attention and help of human beings, as well as the artwork, which captures the beauty and emotion of the story quite well. All in all, a picture book I would highly recommend to young whale lovers. It would pair nicely with something like Robert Burleigh & Wendell Minor's Trapped!: A Whale's Rescue , which also tells a true story, in that case of a humpback whale rescued from some fishing nets off the coast of California in 2005; or Mordicai Gerstein's lovely The Boy and the Whale , which tells a fictional story with similar themes.
Humphrey's inland odyssey was big news back in 1985, when the story first broke, and co-authors (and husband-and-wife team) Wendy Tokuda and Richard Hall were both working in the media, Tokuda as a San Francisco news anchor and Hall as a news executive. Japanese illustrator Hanako Wakiyama was studying in the Bay Area at the time of the book's publication. Apparently Humphrey became stranded a second time in 1990, with the Coast Guard and Marine Mammal Center coming to the rescue again, but that would have occurred after the 1986 publication of Humphrey, The Lost Whale: A True Story. In any case, I found this a charming book, appreciating both the story, in which a lost cetacean attracts the attention and help of human beings, as well as the artwork, which captures the beauty and emotion of the story quite well. All in all, a picture book I would highly recommend to young whale lovers. It would pair nicely with something like Robert Burleigh & Wendell Minor's Trapped!: A Whale's Rescue , which also tells a true story, in that case of a humpback whale rescued from some fishing nets off the coast of California in 2005; or Mordicai Gerstein's lovely The Boy and the Whale , which tells a fictional story with similar themes.
December 17, 2020
Is it possible for a child not to like this book? Ms Tokuda first introduces a pod of humpback whales, then quickly focuses on the whale who entered San Francisco Bay. Like a true reporter, Tokuda sticks to the facts, telling what people observe from the shore. The whale makes his way upstream, and here again, Tokuda stays focused on the whale (not feeling a need to name the towns and bridges that the whale encounters). The reader senses the suspense and empathizes with the misguided whale.
Kids will surely have questions, any maybe even search for more info. For example, "What do whales eat?" "How did they know it was a male?" And "Who named him Humphrey? Why that name?"
Kudos for including a map and a little more info about what happened to Humphrey in the following years.
Kids will surely have questions, any maybe even search for more info. For example, "What do whales eat?" "How did they know it was a male?" And "Who named him Humphrey? Why that name?"
Kudos for including a map and a little more info about what happened to Humphrey in the following years.
July 28, 2018
I read this for Dewey's 24 Hour Reverse Readathon.
The true story of Humphrey the Humpback Whale, who got lost near San Francisco in 1985. Told with beautiful illustrations in picture book format. Moved me to tears at some points. Great true story for sea creature lovers and children.
4 stars.
The true story of Humphrey the Humpback Whale, who got lost near San Francisco in 1985. Told with beautiful illustrations in picture book format. Moved me to tears at some points. Great true story for sea creature lovers and children.
4 stars.
May 2, 2021
Humphrey the whale enters San Francisco Bay and travels up the Sacramento River. This is based on a true story that happened in 1985. The book is well illustrated and tells the story for children well. Learning how the whale was saved was interesting to those of us who were unfamiliar with Humphreys story.
November 3, 2017
The original book based on the true story of Humphrey, the Humpback whale who swam into the San Francisco Bay.
The third graders really got into this book - they liked the map at the back showing Humphreys route and how trapped he was in the shallow creek.
The third graders really got into this book - they liked the map at the back showing Humphreys route and how trapped he was in the shallow creek.
June 3, 2020
I was a one year old when Humphrey came by our town. I wish I could remember it.
Anyway, this is a very well done book covering the event. There’s a small tidbit of facts about humpback wales on the back cover which is neat, along with some photos of Humphrey.
Anyway, this is a very well done book covering the event. There’s a small tidbit of facts about humpback wales on the back cover which is neat, along with some photos of Humphrey.
February 7, 2022
Younger children will enjoy this true story of about Humphrey the whale that entered San Francisco Bay on October 10th 1985 and became trapped up river. He spent 26 days before he was rescued and returned to the ocean.
February 23, 2022
Will make excellent addition to 2022 SRP programming.
June 2, 2022
Cool story based on true events. Had never heard of this story. It's heartwarming :)
January 28, 2023
It was cool to hear the story of the lost whale especially when I actually got to see him when he was in Rio Vista. Very cool!!!!!
March 2, 2024
Sweet book. Read for Marine Biology unit.
September 7, 2025
Based on a true story of a humpback whale who gets lost and saved. Set in San Francisco
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 2, 2022
Cute book I remember from my childhood, about a whale that swam into San Francisco Bay and then so far up the Sacramento River that he needed human intervention to get back out. Charming.
February 16, 2015
“Humphrey the Lost Whale” by Wendy Tokunda is a heart-warming story about a humpback whale who became lost and stuck in the Sacramento River and how a group of scientists worked together to help Humphrey find his way. Humphrey went from the ocean into the San Francisco Bay, and then continued up the Sacramento River. After passing through a very tight space under a bridge, he became stuck upstream. Luckily, people were there to help him. They banged pipes underwater to scare him into turning around and made sounds that sounded like whales eating to lead him in the right direction. When he reached the bridge, Humphrey could not get through and became angry. So the human scientists got a crane and worked through the night to move pillars under the bridge around so that Humphrey could get through. He finally did and did a few tricks for the people in the San Francisco Bay before he said goodbye and left for the ocean.
This story was written about a true event that happened. It is a very didactic story that can be used to teach children about whales. It talks about how whales have to come up above water to breathe, which is a great time to tell kids that whales are actually mammals and they have to breathe air. It’s also a great time to tell them that they are intelligent creatures, as Humphrey was aware that the people in the boat were trying to help them so he didn’t flip their boats with his great big tail. When the book talks about the sound of whales eating, parents or teachers can tell the children about krill and other things that whales eat.
The story itself is a very interesting story that has a happy ending. The illustrations are great in showing the way that whales swim, the San Francisco Bay, the devices that scientists use to make noises in the water, and the way that boats can move in the water. If children are interested in studying aquatic life, they may take a special interest in this book and an interest in the scientists that worked to save Humphrey. The illustrations did not take up the entire page of the book, which shows that the text is very important to this book, as it has a lot of facts about whales. Therefore, the text is kept separate from the illustrations so that the children can focus on the pictures and the didactic words at different times.
This story was written about a true event that happened. It is a very didactic story that can be used to teach children about whales. It talks about how whales have to come up above water to breathe, which is a great time to tell kids that whales are actually mammals and they have to breathe air. It’s also a great time to tell them that they are intelligent creatures, as Humphrey was aware that the people in the boat were trying to help them so he didn’t flip their boats with his great big tail. When the book talks about the sound of whales eating, parents or teachers can tell the children about krill and other things that whales eat.
The story itself is a very interesting story that has a happy ending. The illustrations are great in showing the way that whales swim, the San Francisco Bay, the devices that scientists use to make noises in the water, and the way that boats can move in the water. If children are interested in studying aquatic life, they may take a special interest in this book and an interest in the scientists that worked to save Humphrey. The illustrations did not take up the entire page of the book, which shows that the text is very important to this book, as it has a lot of facts about whales. Therefore, the text is kept separate from the illustrations so that the children can focus on the pictures and the didactic words at different times.
April 29, 2015
I have a bit of a soft spot for this book, as my parents bought me a copy of the original printing after the Reading Rainbow episode aired. Pretty sure I read it until the binding fell apart. Nostalgia is a powerful force.
Review written for and published by Portland Book Review on April 29th:
Humphrey the Lost Whale is a classic children’s book, that is both educational and fun – it also featured in an original episode of Reading Rainbow. A reprinting of the original 1992 publication and based on a true story, the book depicts the adventures of a whale that got turned around in the San Francisco Bay. Instead of heading back out to sea, Humphrey headed up the Sacramento River where the fresh water was making him sick. After several false starts, and poor Humphrey getting stuck under a bridge, he is able to head back in the right direction thanks to some very dedicated volunteers.
The book begins with a map of the San Francisco Bay, and a smaller map of the whole US continent to give children some context as to where events took place. The watercolor illustrations are lovely, and render Humphrey the whale incredibly expressive. At the end of the book there is a page that gives more detail about Humphrey, his multiple sightings in the area, as well as two other Humpback whales that traveled the wrong way up the Sacramento River back in 2007. Humphrey the Lost Whale is a perfect gift for animal loving children. It may also be wonderfully nostalgic for adults who remember Humphrey’s trial itself, or who grew up reading the original printing of the book.
Review written for and published by Portland Book Review on April 29th:
Humphrey the Lost Whale is a classic children’s book, that is both educational and fun – it also featured in an original episode of Reading Rainbow. A reprinting of the original 1992 publication and based on a true story, the book depicts the adventures of a whale that got turned around in the San Francisco Bay. Instead of heading back out to sea, Humphrey headed up the Sacramento River where the fresh water was making him sick. After several false starts, and poor Humphrey getting stuck under a bridge, he is able to head back in the right direction thanks to some very dedicated volunteers.
The book begins with a map of the San Francisco Bay, and a smaller map of the whole US continent to give children some context as to where events took place. The watercolor illustrations are lovely, and render Humphrey the whale incredibly expressive. At the end of the book there is a page that gives more detail about Humphrey, his multiple sightings in the area, as well as two other Humpback whales that traveled the wrong way up the Sacramento River back in 2007. Humphrey the Lost Whale is a perfect gift for animal loving children. It may also be wonderfully nostalgic for adults who remember Humphrey’s trial itself, or who grew up reading the original printing of the book.
April 6, 2012
This book was a "book du jour" when I first began teaching. I don't hear about it any longer.
It tells the true story of a humpback whale that swam under the Golden Gate Bridge and then up the Sacramento River. The river is fresh water. Humphrey got himself stuck in shallow water past a small and narrow bridge. It took a lot of help to get Humphrey turned around and back underneath the tiny bridge before he swam back out to sea.
A cute little real-life story with a happy ending.
It tells the true story of a humpback whale that swam under the Golden Gate Bridge and then up the Sacramento River. The river is fresh water. Humphrey got himself stuck in shallow water past a small and narrow bridge. It took a lot of help to get Humphrey turned around and back underneath the tiny bridge before he swam back out to sea.
A cute little real-life story with a happy ending.
October 14, 2012
Excellent! I love the true stories! This offers many different points to teach, a few of which are; the difference between fresh water and salt water, migration, humans interacting with animals and keeping hope despite challenging circumstances. We enjoyed looking up news clips on youtube of when these events took place in California's bay area! Which is another teaching point; what defines a bay, river and ocean!
January 3, 2012
A real account of a Whale who got lost in Sacramento River and the community came together to help him find his way back to the sea.
My son and I watched this book on a Reading Rainbow DVD, however, we still got to see the beautiful illustrations of the book and it was evident the text had a natural flow for reading aloud.
My son and I watched this book on a Reading Rainbow DVD, however, we still got to see the beautiful illustrations of the book and it was evident the text had a natural flow for reading aloud.
November 11, 2023
I remember when they read this story on the TV series "Reading Rainbow". I think this is a great story for kids, particularly those who love animals. In addition to this story, there are cool notes at the end of the book about more of Humphrey's adventures. That whale seemed to swim into trouble a lot.
June 22, 2010
A cute true story about a humpback whale named Humphrey who travels from San Francisco Bay deep into the freshwater rivers north of the city and gets trapped there; he is rescued and helped along by people who have gathered at the river's sides, and pushed back towards the ocean.
November 26, 2010
This book was interesting. When reading it I could see so many project ideas coming into play. It is a great awareness book to help prepare for the worst case scenario. I had never heard of this story so it was fascinating to learn about a whale in San Francisco.
February 19, 2009
Beautiful story!! We picked up this book in a lovely, small independent bookstore in Sausalito, right where this story took place.
July 6, 2009
I especially like that this is a true story about a whale and about people coming together to help this animal.
Read
January 23, 2010I read this with both my children.
April 29, 2012
Reading Rainbow: Humphrey the Lost Whale
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews