Animals at Risk: Whale

by Judy Allen

In this story about the dangers facing whales, Anya and her parents are returning home from a nearby island, when the boat radio tells of a terrible oil slick. Soon afterwards Anya sees a humpback whale and her calf in such distress that it seems that only a miracle can save them.

Genres: Animals, Picture Books

27 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Judy Allen is an award-winning author whose novel Awaiting Developments was short-listed for the Whitbread Children's Novel Award.

Judy Allen, along with illustrator Tudor Humphries, created Kingfisher's award-winning Backyard Books series and many other successful books, including the Reading Rainbow selections Tiger and Seal.

Reviews

[Khari]

That was an excellent piece of propaganda.

The author accomplished exactly what they started out to do: use pathos to convince readers to believe a certain behavior is correct and a certain behavior is incorrect. It was masterfully done and was on the cusp of creating the 'save the whales' movement of the 90s.

I think they succeeded. Most of the world now views it as a moral failure to hunt or eat whales. Most of those not living in an asian country aren't even really aware that it's possible to eat whale. So, yeah, I think they succeed. I cried at the quiet heroicism of the mother trying to save her calf. I'm way too easily manipulated.

Story: Propaganda narrative
Art: Meh
Price: $34.46

[SaraKat]

This picture book is so terribly sad in the beginning. An oil slick, a drowning mother whale and calf, some human observers that want to help but have no way to offer it. The supernatural rescue is nice for the living whale and calf, but also sad since they were all maimed and killed before this. I am not feeling uplifted right now. :( The art is beautiful, though. :)

[Sean Harding]

Beautifully written and illustrated book, part of a series about animals at risk, and this one about the humpback whale. Complete with some factual information at the end.
This was also a personal highlight having the character Anya featured in the book, and being a friends daughters name which you don't see a lot in books.

[Luke Coles]

Very informative. Educational

[Lulu Cares]

Love, love, love!! So beautiful! Both the illustrations and the story!
Thank you, Judy Allen and Tudor Humphries

[Noloyiso]

A magical story about the rescuing of the whale and its cub. A good story about different types of whales.