Have You Ever Heard A Whale Exhale? by Caroline Woodward

I'm super behind with today's post...but here, it is! This is a picture book about the ocean, and summer is definitely a wave and beach friendly time of year. So, I thought I'd take a peek at this.

HAVE YOU EVER HEARD A WHALE EXHALE?

by Caroline Woodward

Illustrated by 

Claire Watson

Pownal Street Press

Picture Book

32 pages

ages 4 to 8

This fanciful coastal adventure for kids of all ages brings the senses to life!

In this splash of a tale, author Caroline Woodward and illustrator Claire Watson take us on an exploratory journey from sun-warmed rocks to crackling campfires, from below the waves to up in the sky. The book will have readers leaping with the dolphins and barking with the sea lions. On a journey of touch, taste, sight and smell, this whale of a tale urges littles to explore their surroundings and put their imaginations to work.

GOODREADS    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

Seemingly silly questions open up to a little thought and tons of smiles in this lovely visit to the ocean and various creatures living in, around, and above it..

These pages take readers on a visitation to various ocean creatures....but not in the normal, expected way. With a playful, rhyming text, each sea creature is showcased on a two-page spread. From whales to octopi, several, popular spieces join the list. Unlike many books which center on sea life, this one adds a slight fantasy twist. Each creature is presented doing something completely unexpected, such as playing 'spy-hop' or dancing. Sometimes, the creatures are presented in their watery habitat, while others join more human settings such as sitting at a table. Every page is different in the amount of fantasy it holds, making sure every turn opens to a surprise. Combined with the vibrant and lovely illustrations, it creates a very entertaining read.

The text flows mostly smoothly as it asks the reader a silly questions similar to the one in the title: 'Have you ever heard a whale exhale?'. While humorous, these also can be a little thought evoking and even, sometimes, carry a little fact or two. Giggles and smiles are guaranteed as listeners/readers look at sea life from a different perspective. It awakens awareness for the vast variety of life surrounding the ocean, while keeping fun front and center.

It makes a nice read-aloud for group settings and is sure to get the word 'again'.