The Night Whale

By Author / Illustrator

Bryher Mackenzie, illus Gillian Eilidh O'Mara

Genre

Family & Home

Age range(s)

Publisher

Walker Books

ISBN

9781529506600

Format

Hardback

Published

06-06-2024

Synopsis

'And I know then what the Night Whale is saying. I understand. "Anything is possible."'

A grandmother and grandchild look out for the Night Whale, a magical sky-being, last seen when Nana was a child herself. The story transports the reader off to a world of wonder and beauty, as they soar over cities and landscapes on the back of the Night Whale, far away from home and back again.

This is a beautifully lyrical and stunningly illustrated picture book about adventures and moving on, helping children to come to terms with saying goodbye, and the majestic Night Whale's reassuring message is that anything is possible.

Download Extract

Reviews

Maria

The first thing that strikes you with this tale is the wonderful, colourful illustrations which are as magical as the story itself. The Night Whale is a story of dreams, imagination and touches on the concept of loss.

The story begins with a child and her Nana on the hill by their home, watching the stars. Tracing the starry patterns, the Night Whale appears and takes them on a magical journey over vast oceans, thick forests and through the colours of the Northern Lights.

A true connection between Nana and child can be felt which subtly leads on to memories washing over the child as she closes her eyes. This story will lead onto many discussions about predictions, the world, families, past experiences. The list is endless!

Picture book / Reviewed by Maria Faithorn, teacher