Children's Nonfiction Marine Life
Whales and Us
Our Shared Journey
- Publisher
- Orca Book Publishers
- Initial publish date
- May 2024
- Category
- Marine Life, Endangered, Animal Welfare, Environmental Conservation & Protection
-
Hardback
- ISBN
- 9781459839342
- Publish Date
- May 2024
- List Price
- $24.95
-
eBook
- ISBN
- 9781459839366
- Publish Date
- May 2024
- List Price
- $19.99
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Where to buy it
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age: 9 to 12
- Grade: 4 to 7
- Reading age: 9 to 12
Description
In the course of history, humans have had a negative impact on the lives of whales.
There are many stories and legends about whales. Humans have long been fascinated by these majestic creatures. Maybe it’s their immense size or their mysterious songs. But how many of the stories are true? What do we really know about whales? And are we a threat to these creatures that captivate us?
Author India Desjardins offers a glimpse into the lives of whales—their history, environment, biology and behavior. She explores our relationships with whales and the dangers that threaten their existence, and she shares what we can do to help keep them safe. Whales and Us is a beautifully illustrated tribute to these fragile giants and a powerful call to action, with the hope that they will never stop roaming the world’s oceans.
About the authors
India Desjardins is a French Canadian author and screenwriter based in Montréal, whose popular series Le journal d'Aurélie Laflamme has sold more than two million copies in the francophone space and has been adapted for the big screen. Her picture book Le Noël de Marguerite won the 2014 BolognaRagazzi Award and was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award. India worked as a journalist for ten years before devoting herself to books and screenplays, and she also writes for adults.
India Desjardins' profile page
NATHALIE DION is an illustrator living in Montreal who studied Design Arts at Concordia University. Her other children's books include I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree by Jean E. Pendziwol, The Biggest Puddle in the World by Mark Lee and What's in Your Purse? by Abigail Samoun. Nathalie has received a number of awards for her illustration and has exhibited her work in Montreal galleries.
David Warriner grew up in the UK and escaped to Quebec right after graduating from Oxford. A professional translator for nearly two decades, David nurtures a healthy passion for Quebec fiction and has translated a range of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s fiction titles by Quebec authors for British and Canadian publishers. He lives in Penticton, British Columbia.
Awards
- Nominated, Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Award
- Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection
Editorial Reviews
“A book that can be dipped into time and again. Illustrations are painterly and delicate…they work beautifully and draw the reader in. One of the book’s strengths is that we are asked to see whale behavior through their lens, not a human one.”
Hakai Magazine
“A most impressive book…appealing illustrations complement the text, and offer context for the facts shared.”
Sal's Fiction Addiction
“Visually stimulating and loaded with interesting facts, creating an effect that will have readers poring over the pages trying to soak it all in. What’s more, Desjardins takes the educational and inspirational aspects of her book even further by touching on themes like climate change and human activity as threats to the welfare of the natural world… a worthwhile choice for shared reading time.”
Montreal Review of Books (MRB)
“Full of rich, interesting facts…Complementing the text are unique water-colour illustrations that bring life to the pages.”
Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)
“This information picture book takes a fresh approach [and includes] soft, inviting watercolour illustrations…fulfills its goal of linking us with the history and future of whales. Highly Recommended.”
CM: Canadian Review of Materials
