The Great Storm Whale

By Author / Illustrator

Benji Davies

Genre

Family & Home

Age range(s)

Publisher

Simon & Schuster Ltd

ISBN

9781398503502

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

12-10-2023

Synopsis

The story of a girl, a whale and a friendship that will echo down the generations, from best-selling, award-winning picture book creator, Benji Davies, author of The Storm Whale. 'It's a world fans won't want to leave' - The Observer

As a fearsome storm blows around Noi's house, his grandma tells of an unforgettable friendship between a little girl and a whale, many storms ago. But as she finishes her tale of perseverance and new beginnings, Noi soon realises it's part of their own story, too. This glorious addition to the bestselling Storm Whale series celebrates the stories and the love that are passed down through generations.

Praise for books from the World of the The Storm Whale: "A simple but powerful story about loneliness and the love between a parent and child" - New York Times. "heartwarming story of family and friendship with striking artwork that perfectly captures the seaside world." - The Big Issue. 'At the heart of this emotionally charged story is the joy of a lasting friendship, tender and true' - The Bookseller. "Intensely atmospheric, full of biting cold, tender detail and warm light, this is a book to cuddle up with" - The Guardian.

Other books from the World of The Storm Whale: The Storm Whale in Winter; Grandma Bird; The Great Storm Whale. Also by Benji Davies: Grandad's Island; On Sudden Hill, written by Linda Sarah; When the Dragons Came, written by Naomi Kefford and Lynne Moore; Jump on Board the Animal Train, written by Naomi Kefford and Lynne Moore.

Download Extract

Reviews

I couldn’t wait to get stuck into this book after enjoying the emotive story that is The Storm Whale. My class and I were full of wonder as the name of the book alone sparked so much curiosity among us. Is this book about the same whale now it's fully grown? Perhaps this book is about somebody else in Noi's family? Is this going to be about an adventure with Noi and his father?

We opened the book to the comforting familiar sentence, 'Noi lived with his dad and his six cats by the sea.’ However, this time, Noi isn't alone. Noi is joined by his grandma who has come to stay. Grandma is the main character of Benji Davies's picture book, Grandma Bird.

There was a great storm on the horizon - something we know Noi has become familiar with! Despite this, the howling wind prohibits Noi from falling asleep, so Grandma tells him a story. A story that we later realise to be true.

Benji Davies's illustrations detail every part of the story so clearly; this book can be enjoyed and retold by using the pictures alone. The characters within his books crossover and have their important moments where they tell their life story. There is so much power in this!

This book reminds me of the stories my grandparents told me when I was younger that have been passed down the generations. It warms my heart!

Picture book / Reviewed by Jessica Bunney, teacher