if you want to see a whale + live with one

 

If You Want to See a Whale.

Words by Julie Fogliano, pictures by Erin E. Stead.

 

Last fall I went to see illustrator Erin Stead and her husband Philip Stead at a Vroman’s Bookstore storytime. It was mostly kids, as you’d expect. I met a little girl named Eloise while we were both in line to have our books signed. She was in love with the book about whales. She likes whales, you see. She even saw one from far away once and it sprouted water as a whale will do. Eloise, my friends, has very good taste.

 

 

 

 

“if you want to see a whale

you will need a window”

This book is exquisite. It’s deep and beautiful and quiet and calming and patient. Like a whale. Like the ocean. Like this little boy’s imagination.

 

“if you want to see a whale

you’ll have to just ignore the roses

and all their pink

and all their sweet

and all their wild and their waving”

 

And the prose. Oh the prose! It’s poetry. I honestly feel calmer just typing those words and looking at these pictures.

 

 

“if you want to see a whale

be careful not to notice

something inching, small and green

across the left, just nibble scoot

because things that are small than most small things

can’t be as giant as a whale”

It’s hard to give any facts about this book. It’s not that kind of book. I can tell you that Julie Fogliano and Erin Stead made a previous book together, And Then It’s Spring. I can also tell you Stead created the illustrations using linoleum block prints and pencil. And I can tell you it’s worth reading and experiencing. Just as seeing that whale was worth it for Eloise.

 

 

Oh yes, let’s not forget that

glorious humpback whale on

the back cover!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks to Erin Stead for the interior images!

 

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While I’ve seen dolphins and seals, I’ve never had the enormous experience of seeing a whale. (Just look at some of the photos of humpbacks on pinterest!) So for those of us who haven’t, here are whales you could see every day, bringing  some of their magic, serenity, and grace inside.

(Also, 100 Scope Notes has just declared 2014 Year of the Whale in children’s books, so this post is apropos.)

 

 

If you want to make your own gorgeous humpback , here’s how with Valaan Villapaita’s DIY Denim Whale tutorial.

 

 

 

Or a cutie pie paper origami whale.

 

This wooden whale box! (With thanks to Small for Big.)

 

And I sort of adore this sweet whale ring too.

 

If you want to see a whale, you could also head to one of the five best places to catch a glimpse in North America. Or around the world. (A girl can dream, right?!)