Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends! Today’s featured book deals with a tough topic, the loss of a beloved grandparent. The words and illustrations captured my heart…and I think that the message of the story will comfort many children.
MAYBE A WHALE
Written by Kirsten Pendreigh
Illustrated by Crystal Smith
Published by Groundwood Books (August 1, 2023)
Ages: 4-8
Themes: Loss, family, whale-watching
Synopsis: From Amazon:
After Grandpa dies, a girl and her mother take the trip he had planned for her, kayaking along the Pacific west coast to look for the whales that he loved.
The trip will do them good, Mom says, but the girl isn’t sure. How can that be true when Grandpa isn’t there? And how will they find a whale in all that water, anyway?
There is so much to see as they paddle through white-tipped waves and calm coves: glowing moon jellies, fluttering anemones and slippery seals. All the while, the girl watches for whales. Could one be swimming beneath their kayak or along the shore of their camp? Are the whales even there?
Finally, in the dark of night, they hear them ― pushhhhhhhh, pushhhhhhh ― humpbacks breathing in the bay.
In this lyrical story, luminously illustrated by Crystal Smith, mom and daughter find the space to grieve Grandpa and reconnect with each other in the wild beauty of nature. And they come to realize that ― perhaps like whales ― those we’ve loved are always with us, even if we don’t see them anymore.
Why I Love This Book:
1. I love the beautiful text – the words captured my heart and put me right there with the young girl and her mother.
2. I love the illustrations – glorious watercolors that connect me with each scene.
3. I love the message of drawing strength from the memory of those we’ve lost – and realizing that we carry their memory in our heart always.
RELATED ACTIVITIES:
Make Some Whales
What a lovely bunch of craft activities! For details, please follow this link: https://artsycraftsymom.com/10-wonderful-whale-crafts-for-kids/
Dear friends, new books need our help! We can buy the books, review the books, tell friends about the books, and ask our local library to purchase copies for their collection.
Thank you for spending your precious time with you. Author Kirsten and her publisher are offering a giveaway of a copy of MAYBE A WHALE to one lucky winner who lives in the U.S. or Canada! For a chance, please leave a comment – and share this post on your social media for extra tickets in the giveaway hat!
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
This looks so lovely. Having recently lost both my grandmothers, and my grandfathers just a few years prior to that, I seek consolation everywhere. My daughters were close to my grandmothers, too. So thank you for book that looks like it brings love and light to such loss.
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This book will touch everyone in some way, with its consoling and comforting message. And I do love the illustrations. Perfect additions to the lovely text! Congrats to Kirsten and Crystal, on creating this wonderful picture book.
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Brought back memories of a beloved college English professor who shared her whale hunting adventures with us. She, too, has gone, but memories of her passion that she shared will always remain. I loved that the illustrations are in watercolor – fitting for hunting the whales in the water. Nature has a way of soothing the soul. Congratulations.
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Oh, yes, our memories remain as a way to honor and celebrate those we have lost. I am sooo looking forward to reading this book!
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