If You Want to See a Whale - by Julie Fogliano (Hardcover)

About the Book

In this quiet and beautiful picture book from the team that created the "Boston Globe-Horn Book" Honor book "And Then It's Spring, " a boy learns exactly what it takes to catch a glimpse of an elusive whale. Full color.

Book Synopsis

If you want to see a whale, you will need to know what not to look at.

Pink roses, pelicans, possible pirates . . .

If you want to see a whale, you have to keep your eyes on the sea, and wait . . .

and wait . . . and wait . . .

In this quiet and beautiful picture book by Julie Fogliano and Erin E. Stead, the team that created the Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor book And Then It's Spring, a boy learns exactly what it takes to catch a glimpse of an elusive whale. This title has Common Core connections.

A Neal Porter Book

A Publishers Weekly Best Children's Book of 2013
A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013

Review Quotes

"To find a picture book that attempts to explore the patient, persistent and solitary pursuit at the heart of creativity is unusual; to find one that succeeds in making such an abstract process comprehensible to children is extraordinary....The author-illustrator team responsible for the bestselling "And Then It's Spring" has again produced something truly unique, melding a hypnotic text with translucent, light-filled illustrations that invite young readers to climb aboard, row diligently, keep looking and experience the wonder of the journey for themselves." --The Washington Post

"Fogliano's words are carved and measured. This is a writer who takes her time, and the leaps she makes with language surprise and thrill." --The New York Times

"A gorgeous love song to the imagination . . . It's breathtaking . . . Fans will be waiting." --Booklist, starred review

"Readers will gape at the two enormous, whale-sized talents at work in this transfixing picture book." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Stead's pencil and linoleum prints--as delicate, understated, and imaginative as ever--take exciting creative license with Fogliano's expressive writing." --Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

"The same pair that brought us And Then It's Spring (rev. 1/12) returns with a book that has a similar overall feel but a completely different story. . . this one takes on the possibility of imagination." --The Horn Book

"Her [Stead's] work is often a study in composition, with horizon lines recurring like a chorus, counterpointed with subtle or strong diagonals and swoops. The whale itself is legitimately humongous yet also clearly wise and benign, politely presenting itself to the presumably well-pleased whale searchers. This could be an inducement to some imaginary eyes-shut travel, or just an offbeat choice for sending kids off to dreamland." --BCCB

About the Author

Julie Fogliano is the author of the New York Times bestseller And Then It's Spring, as well as When's My Birthday? and When Green Becomes Tomatoes.

Erin E. Stead is co-creator of A Sick Day for Amos McGee, winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal, and Bear has a Story to Tell. She also illustrated Julie Fogliano's And Then It's Spring and Lenny and Lucy.