Little Whale's Song

by Fran Evans

When Little Whale finds himself all alone, he tries to sing to communicate with his family, but he can't find his voice. Little Whale asks various sea creatures, but he can't make their sounds. It is the wise manatee who finally helps him.....

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Family

32 pages, Paperback

First published March 20, 2003

Reviews

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

Upon trying to wrangle another book from my niece's library pile I came upon this home book and thought it sounded interesting. First of all this isn't a non-fiction book that studies the humpback whale's song but just a fictionalized story that allows children to know and understand that it can be alright for others to speak a language not their own although knowing how to speak your own doesn't truly come from you but your background.

The book takes a further look into the various other animals that can be found under the ocean and explores some of the sounds that they may make although not all of them are sounds I would attribute to some of the animals. I did enjoy the fact, though, that the animals were varied from the lobster to fish and so much more that the reader wasn't just exploring sea mammal sounds.

Furthermore the illustrations were cute and helped along in the story-telling of the book. At first it did slightly throw me off that he was blue but then again I am now attributing that to the fact that he is underwater thus the color of reflecting waters.

In the end this cute book will definitely be a hit with children and one that can also be used interactively. Help your child(ren) initially with the animal sounds or even have them guess it to help add some fun to this story.

[Olubukola Apoeso · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little whale’s song
This story is an informative and beautifully illustrated one written by Fran Evans. It is about a little whale, when he couldn’t find his family thought he can’t sing to call their attention. He beckoned on the dolphin, the lobster, octopus, turtle, seal, to teach him how to sing but no one could help him. Suddenly, he met a manatee who motivated him to make his own sound. When he made an effort to sing, he realised that he could sing and attract his family back to him and they all celebrated.
This story can be used to teach children cross curricular. In science, children can learn about the different sounds aquatic animals make. It is riddled with pictures and illustrations that will attract the attention of very young children. I will recommend this book to children in nursery and reception classes. It will be a good start for their guided reading as well.

[Adam Nickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scarlett selected this book for herself from the library, it is an interesting little adventure.

Scarlett (age 5) gave it 5/5

Poppy (age 3) gave it 4/5

[Serge Smagarinsky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story uses a classic picture book structure to explore some important issues about independence and self-reliance. Plot could have been strengthened further by leaving out the advice from the wise manatee and have the little whale work that part out for themselves. Also incorporates a few non-fiction tidbits on sea creatures.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

My nephew really enjoyed this book we have read it many times.