The Whale

The whale, by Ethan and Vita Murrow is a story of adventure, passion, and inner strength. Who knew a picture book could deliver so much mystery and suspense that it forces you to sit on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book? But is this so special? Plenty of books make you do that... but in this book there are barely any words. Ethan and Vita Murrow are a husband and wife team. Vita is a videographer and Ethan an illustrator. What makes the production of the Whale so interesting is that it was inspired by a film Vita and Ethan were working on in 2007 called ‘Dust.’ Dust was a project focusing on environmental concerns and innovative solutions to protecting valuable resources. It took a number of creative minds and teamwork to make it happen, which thus inspired the children’s book the Whale. The whale is based on two kid inventors and born natural innovators that must work together to survive unpredictable dangers. Only friendship can lead them through the battles they will face. The book starts with a newspaper clipping, the only place you will see text in the book. It tells of a giant spotted whale seen over fifty years ago. Does this whale really exist or is it a hoax? The two kid inventors are determined to find out. Ethan and Vita lead us through the story with mind-blowing illustrations, all drawn in pencil. The amount of detail in the illustrations can leave you looking at one page for minutes, until moving on. However, the most exciting part of the story is feeling as if you are on the boat inside the adventure with these two kids. One minute you are floating gently up and down with the boat, and the next you are under the water swimming next to the biggest whale you have ever seen! Hold your breath... because this is one of the most suspenseful, exciting, and emotional picture books you will ever encounter. And the best part is, you interpret the pictures, you make the connections, and you become part of the story.

Absolutely stunning illustrations. Looking forward to more books by this team. Children will have wonder in their eyes “reading” this. A great book to any collection.

The drawings are exquisite! And the story, told in pictures only, is delightful. Two quirky, nerdy kids finding common ground with a whale spotting.

Wonderful book. The drawings are fantastic. Love the crossover aspect from fine art to children's book illustration!

Summary: “Giant whale or giant hoax?” screams the headline of the Cape Chronicle. It’s been 50 years since two children claim to have spotted a giant whale. Two kids read all about it and decide, individually, to explore the issue themselves. When their boats collide, they decide to join forces. Putting their scientific minds together, they are able to collect amazing evidence of the Great Spotted Whale. Upon their return, they find themselves featured in their own Cape Chronicle article…and discover an amazing connection to the first team of whale spotters from half a century ago. 32 pages; grades 1-4.Pros: This almost-wordless book (the only text is in the two newspaper articles at the beginning and end) tells the story through amazingly detailed black-and-white illustrations. Readers will almost feel the salty spray and hear the whale songs coming from the beautiful renditions of the ocean.Cons: Like many books without words, the story may be a little confusing.

Very enjoyable able to maintain at the five-year level!

Beautifully illustrated and appropriate for all ages.

Its rare to see a children's book with this quality of story and art. My godkids were blown away by this book.