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Cordelia and the Whale
Cordelia is an 11-year-old introverted loner. Not knowing quite how to fit in, she’s often bullied at school. She finds comfort in facts and knowledge, preferring a world of consistency. Her world does change however, when Cordelia meets a magical blue whale named Beatrice. Nothing is ever the same for Cordelia as she befriends the ancient whale and finds out secrets of the universe from Beatrice that she must learn and master. Cordelia and the Whale is a timeless story filled with magical realism. A novel for all ages about belief, courage, confidence, and the need for all of us to find strength and power in ourselves and each other through communication, connection, and a little bit of magic. We are all meant to fly in this world – perhaps literally. “Because what people fear more than failure, even more than they fear success, is change, Cordelia. Once you realize that you’re capable of being extraordinary, you no longer have an excuse to be less than that. To know how truly capable you are is to have to change your own expectations of yourself. And that? Seems to be more than most people can handle.” – Beatrice, Cordelia and the Whale
220 pages, Hardcover
Published October 8, 2018
2 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Nelson-Schmidt
36 books145 followersI write and illustrate books for children. I love to laugh, I love to have fun. I do not have time for mean people. Life is too short to not do what you love for a living. Or deal with mean people.
I like smiling. It's my favorite.
“Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
--Christopher Robin to Pooh”
I like smiling. It's my favorite.
“Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.
--Christopher Robin to Pooh”
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 25, 2018
Michelle Nelson' Schmidt does not disappoint in this latest edition to her amazing arsenal of children's books. This book is an expanded version of her magical children's picture book for younger readers, Cordelia. Cordelia and the Whale expands that story in a truly wonderful way. Cordelia is a young girl who feels different from the rest of the world and is bullied by others. She however, is okay with the fact that she is different, though she does worry about how her parents feel about her having no friends. Cordelia discovers when meeting Beatrice the Whale, that these differences others at school make fun of, are in fact, strengths. They make her amazing and gifted to do what others cannot. And that will change her, her family, her town and the world! This book sucked me into it and still has me thinking about it days later! It is fun and fast paced for independent readers and is a great read aloud for younger children. It has beautiful black and white illustrations at the beginning of each chapter. I have started reading it to my 8 year old with ADHD who is completely entranced by it and had lots of questions about it which means he was listening very carefully! He can't wait for the next chapter. And that, more than anything I have said, speaks volumes to this book! I think this is a book every child should read as it's lessons about being true to yourself, kindness, compassion and love for everyone and every creature are things every child needs to hear!
January 2, 2019
This book is beyond words. Once again Michelle brings magic into the lives of young and old alike. She reminds us to believe in ourselves and the magic we all have!
October 8, 2018
My boys and I are big fans of “Miss Michelle”, and we were very excited to get this book!
We fell in love with Cordelia, the girl who could fly, in the picture book Cordelia, and this novel for older readers gives us more background about this amazing girl and how she learned to fly (with the help of her friend Beatrice).
Growing up, Cordelia does not have friends, and is bullied by her peers regularly. Cordelia prefers to be alone with her books, and sketch pad to avoid the negativity. She starts to internalize the words of her peers, and begins to call herself weird. Then she makes the acquaintance of Beatrice, and learns that normal does not exist, we are all extraordinary (if we listen closely to our hearts), and no matter what we are never alone.
This book has an amazing message fit for all ages. One of loving yourself, believing in yourself (and your truth), and not letting others bring you down. It is the great truth of our interconnectedness that makes the world so beautiful and diverse, and THAT is what we need to embrace (not all of the ways we perceive ourselves as better).
Miss Michelle is a very positive person, and always looks for the best in others. She radiates love wherever she goes, and this truly shines in this novel. She desires a better world for all, but especially for the children of the world.
I highly recommend this novel, and to explore her other picture books.
We fell in love with Cordelia, the girl who could fly, in the picture book Cordelia, and this novel for older readers gives us more background about this amazing girl and how she learned to fly (with the help of her friend Beatrice).
Growing up, Cordelia does not have friends, and is bullied by her peers regularly. Cordelia prefers to be alone with her books, and sketch pad to avoid the negativity. She starts to internalize the words of her peers, and begins to call herself weird. Then she makes the acquaintance of Beatrice, and learns that normal does not exist, we are all extraordinary (if we listen closely to our hearts), and no matter what we are never alone.
This book has an amazing message fit for all ages. One of loving yourself, believing in yourself (and your truth), and not letting others bring you down. It is the great truth of our interconnectedness that makes the world so beautiful and diverse, and THAT is what we need to embrace (not all of the ways we perceive ourselves as better).
Miss Michelle is a very positive person, and always looks for the best in others. She radiates love wherever she goes, and this truly shines in this novel. She desires a better world for all, but especially for the children of the world.
I highly recommend this novel, and to explore her other picture books.
October 10, 2018
I've been a fan of Michelle Nelson-Schmidt for quite some time now. When I found out she was self publishing a book, I knew I would have to get it. I'm beyond thrilled I went with the preorder option and got a signed copy. THIS BOOK...I don't even know where to begin on reviewing it. It's full of light, joy, and love. I read it quicker than I expected, but I couldn't put it down. The messages in all of her books are so important and so needed for the children of our lives. My almost three year old kept asking if it was her turn to read Cordelia. It's a beautiful story that needs to be heard by every child, everywhere. Every adult, too!
July 8, 2019
I love Michelle Nelson-Schmidt’s picture books, including “Cordelia,” a book about a girl who could fly. This novel expanded upon the themes in that picture book but the story never really went anywhere. It was all a little too mystical, far-fetched, and repetitive for me to really enjoy.
October 18, 2018
Take two (last review didn't take)
Cordelia and the whale a magical book dispicting a key to us all about the magic all around us.
Michelle brings us on a journey that includes feelings we have everyday. Love, happiness, sadness, self-doubt bringing it all together to let us know we are all special and we all hold a little magic of our own. All we must do is tell ourselves we can do it and never let anyones doubt or negativity tell you otherwise, because what you think of yourself matters. Stay positive is a world full of negative. Be that light that shines in the darkness.
Well written Michelle. Thank you for the story.
Cordelia and the whale a magical book dispicting a key to us all about the magic all around us.
Michelle brings us on a journey that includes feelings we have everyday. Love, happiness, sadness, self-doubt bringing it all together to let us know we are all special and we all hold a little magic of our own. All we must do is tell ourselves we can do it and never let anyones doubt or negativity tell you otherwise, because what you think of yourself matters. Stay positive is a world full of negative. Be that light that shines in the darkness.
Well written Michelle. Thank you for the story.
August 15, 2022
Michelle Nelson-Schmidt is one of our favorite picture book authors so when I saw she wrote a chapter book I knew I needed to order it!
While I don’t share some of the scientific or faith beliefs in the book, the thought behind and themes in this book are so beautiful. Especially for those who feel a little “weird” or less than normal.
I gave it an overall three star because the technical language and descriptions used in parts of the book seems very advanced for the age level of the target audience. I wouldn’t be able to read this aloud to my children without explaining a lot of the concepts. Still, we love Cordelia and I’m glad I read it!
While I don’t share some of the scientific or faith beliefs in the book, the thought behind and themes in this book are so beautiful. Especially for those who feel a little “weird” or less than normal.
I gave it an overall three star because the technical language and descriptions used in parts of the book seems very advanced for the age level of the target audience. I wouldn’t be able to read this aloud to my children without explaining a lot of the concepts. Still, we love Cordelia and I’m glad I read it!
October 21, 2018
I absolutely adore Cordelia. She has such a strong message for young girls. When I saw that a novel was being written based on her I couldn’t contain my excitement. The magic of Cordelia remains true. Every little girl should read this. Believe in yourself and magic happens. My son is only 17 months old and too young for the novel, but when he’s older I will share this magical world with him. He already loves the girl who can fly, I know he’ll love the girl who can fly and her magical whale friend.
February 11, 2021
I absolutely loved reading Cordelia and the Whale with my young kiddos. My oldest is 8 and has read it multiple times, always coming back to it when she needs an escape from life. You will fall in love with the characters. Michelle Nelson-Schmidt brings life lessons into her books in a fun way that will keep your readers turning the pages.
April 15, 2019
Michelle usually writes children's books that I love. This is her first (self-published) YA book and I love it just as much as I love her children's books. We all need a little Cordelia, Beatrix, and Mrs L in us!!! We are all extraordinary and together we can do magic in this world.
March 7, 2019
Absolutely lovely story about believing in yourself and believing in the magic that the world has given each of us. Share your magic, share your light, and just FLY!!
October 18, 2019
Great story about missing the ones we love.
July 20, 2020
Cordelia is one of my favorite characters of all time. This is the story of what happened before the picture book. It was a great read aloud and my older son enjoyed reading it multiple times.
April 20, 2019
Very sweet story with a lovely message but it fell a little flat for me.
September 23, 2024
I can't even begin to tell you how long I have waited for this book! As a long time fan of author/illustrator Michelle Nelson Schmidt's picture books, I was SO excited to learn that she was releasing a middle grade novel. Let me tell you...it did not disappoint. I pre-ordered this book as soon as it was available!!
If you are familiar with Michelle's picture books (and if you aren't then you need to be...trust me!), you will know the kind of magic that she is capable of creating in words and beautiful artwork. Cordelia and the Whale is filled with the very same magic. There were several parts of the book where I found myself with goosebumps. Michelle is filled with so much hope and love and it is clearly conveyed in her work.
Cordelia is a sweet 11 year old girl who doesn't quite fit in. She is often picked on by the other kids and feels alone. One day Cordelia finds herself talking to a 900 year old blue whale named Beatrice. Beatrice shows Cordelia that she is so much more than ordinary...she is a rather extraordinary child. I don't want to give away too much of the magic so I will stop here...but I definitely recommend reading this one to yourself...to your kids...to anyone who needs a message of hope!
This is such an uplifting and beautiful book of hope and of believing in yourself!! Can't wait to read it aloud to my kids <3
If you are familiar with Michelle's picture books (and if you aren't then you need to be...trust me!), you will know the kind of magic that she is capable of creating in words and beautiful artwork. Cordelia and the Whale is filled with the very same magic. There were several parts of the book where I found myself with goosebumps. Michelle is filled with so much hope and love and it is clearly conveyed in her work.
Cordelia is a sweet 11 year old girl who doesn't quite fit in. She is often picked on by the other kids and feels alone. One day Cordelia finds herself talking to a 900 year old blue whale named Beatrice. Beatrice shows Cordelia that she is so much more than ordinary...she is a rather extraordinary child. I don't want to give away too much of the magic so I will stop here...but I definitely recommend reading this one to yourself...to your kids...to anyone who needs a message of hope!
This is such an uplifting and beautiful book of hope and of believing in yourself!! Can't wait to read it aloud to my kids <3
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews