The Whale Child

What a gloriously fantastic book. Alex is given the biggest gift, and by extension, so are we. A wonderful look at care of Earth (or lack thereof). Loved it!! Should be in every classroom.

Fantastic quote from a book that is not just a pleasure to read, but an important one to read, especially in these times. The book is not just a reminder of the importance of the earth, and not just an illustration of our interdependence. It shows a simple path to change in a way that resonates with children as well as adults. This is not done in a preachy way - it would stand easily on its own without thinking about the messages of harmony, respect and environmental stewardship. But it makes so much sense, and is so ingrained in the characters, places and relationships, that it comes through in the storytelling loud and clear.The images are simple, and beautiful in that simplicity - you can tell that each image shares a little bit of the soul of the authors. I have both the Kindle version and the paperback, and the images lose nothing in the Kindle version.Finally, while not 100% necessary for me, there is a guide at the end for classroom use (targeting grades 3-5), with questions, projects, and a little history of the Coast Salish peoples - the authors are both members of the Lummi Nation, and their care for this book, and the environment, is obvious.

100% Recommend this book to anyone interested in our future on this earth...The Whale Child follows two young children, Shiny and Alex, through a harrowing journey that illuminates the imbalance that has been created between human kind and the natural world and how to remedy it through the relationship and understanding of water.Beautiful illustrations embolden the imagination with fanciful imagery that carry hope through the sometimes challenging content and capture the visions of the story, moving them beyond words.Chenoa and Keith Egawa breathe life into a story that teaches the importance of connection to place, respect of nature and the elements, and hope for the future through the mystical journey of a whale child turned human to lead his terrestrial sister to a place of understanding the challenges we face as human beings and the hope and inspiration required to overcome it.This book is a must read for children and adults alike, emphasizing the magic inherent in the world that is often overlooked and the respect of water through the perspective of traditional cultures. The Whale Child is a guide on seeing and moving through the mounting environmental challenges we face culturally. It is a gesture of hope for the next generation that deserves to meet minds, hearts and spirits far and wide.

Beautifully written an illustrated book about ethics relationship of a Whale boy and a long girl who must learn about the effects of human population and actions on our land and water. Alex and Shinny take daily adventures along with Bufflehead to explore human impact on the land and water. While these interactions showcase negative impacts, the books is positive in the message that we and the children can make positive changes. It is full of beautiful connects with Mother Earth. The book includes lots of resources for students to use to continue their learning. It empowers children to become the change makers. Love this. buy it for your children or your classroom.

This beautiful book has as it's message: you CAN do something to help our imperiled planet, restore the water systems and leave a healthier world for future generations. The playful nature of the characters is a counterbalance to the seriousness of the message, of the issues facing us all today. Told in such a way as to empower children to get out there and do what they can.

So happy to have found this book. The story is full of color and life and important lessons and the artwork is magical and calming. The story is written in such a beautiful way, with great flow, it flows like the magical river taking us through this important journey. I am so appreciative of the work Chenowa and Keith have done. Thank you 🙏🏻

Feedback from from the recipient was that she read it to her child and he enjoyed it.

The skill of traditional storytelling and indigenous ways flows through this magical story for both children and adults. Our Mother Nature and the natural world are beautifully interwoven along with the impact that modern life has had on us all is well told. The authors weave this important message in a way young readers will be able to understand and opens the door to discussions surrounding environemental challenges.