"Rescued whales have sometimes been seen
leaping out of the water or swimming closer
to their rescuers, but we don't really know
why. Some think it's the whales' way of
saying thank you, and scientists are doing
research to see if that's true."
Many middle grade readers have a deep love for whales and their stories. Throughout history, humans have often had a negative effect on their lives. Ms. Desjardins admits to not being a scientist; rather, she is a writer and researcher who wants her readers to know about interactions between whales and humans. By sharing stories of whale encounters and balancing those stories with gathered facts, she has penned a book that will attract the attention of many readers.
"I used to come here and see the whales when I was little
and there were dozens of them. I could see them leaping
out of the water. I could see their spouts, and their tails
slapping the surface. Now I feel lucky if I get to see just
one whale’s back cresting the waves in the distance."
She uses the stories she has heard, and the information she has gathered while reading, to help her audience realize why it is important to understand this majestic mammal. In knowing more, they are likely to become fierce protectors for them.
She describes behaviors that are inherent to them, the ways they communicate, the dangers that human contact presents, and the worry about their future in uncertain times. Knowing the two whale groups - baleen and toothed - helps readers with the storytelling and legends that have arisen about them.
Sharing these accounts allows readers to see that whales need to breathe air, that they swim close to shore at times that can prove dangerous and are able to communicate with clicks, nods and songs. These memorable reports ensure that readers are engaged and learning while they are reading. Many questions are answered in conversational and informative text.
There are ways for people interested in knowing more to watch whales, take their pictures, and acknowledge the changes over the years due to careful, regulated conservation. Appealing illustrations complement the text, and offer context for the facts shared. Changing perspectives provide a sense of size and wonder, from the breaches demonstrated to the drama of the hunt. A section called What Can We Do offers ideas for whale protection and safety. Finally, a list of resources briefly describes the work done by a nimber of organizations.
A personal fascination with these giants of the ocean makes for a most impressive book. Written and translated by a Canadian team, it is a great read for I READ CANADIAN DAY 2024.
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