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Maybe a Whale - by Kirsten Pendreigh (Hardcover)

Maybe a Whale - by  Kirsten Pendreigh (Hardcover) - 1 of 1
$17.90 sale price when purchased online
$21.99 list price
Target Online store #3991

About this item

Highlights

  • After Grandpa dies, a girl and her mother take the trip he had planned for her, kayaking along the Pacific west coast to look for the whales that he loved.
  • 3-6 Years
  • 11.5" x 8.8" Hardcover
  • 36 Pages
  • Juvenile Fiction, Family

Description



About the Book



"After Grandpa dies, a girl and her mother take the trip he had planned for her, kayaking along the Pacific west coast to look for the whales that he loved. The trip will do them good, Mom says, but the girl isn't sure. How can that be true when grandpa isn't there? And how will they find a whale in all that water, anyway? There is so much to see as they paddle through white-tipped waves and calm coves: glowing moon jellies, fluttering anemones and slippery seals. All the while, the girl watches for whales. Could one be swimming beneath their kayak or along the shore of their camp? Are the whales even there? Finally, in the dark of night, they hear them -- pushhhhhhhh, pushhhhhhh -- humpbacks breathing in the bay. In this lyrical story, luminously illustrated by Crystal Smith, mom and daughter find the space to grieve Grandpa and reconnect with each other in the wild beauty of nature. And they come to realize that -- perhaps like whales -- those we've loved are always with us, even if we don't see them anymore."--



Book Synopsis



After Grandpa dies, a girl and her mother take the trip he had planned for her, kayaking along the Pacific west coast to look for the whales that he loved.

The trip will do them good, Mom says, but the girl isn't sure. How can that be true when Grandpa isn't there? And how will they find a whale in all that water, anyway?

There is so much to see as they paddle through white-tipped waves and calm coves: glowing moon jellies, fluttering anemones and slippery seals. All the while, the girl watches for whales. Could one be swimming beneath their kayak or along the shore of their camp? Are the whales even there?

Finally, in the dark of night, they hear them -- pushhhhhhhh, pushhhhhhh -- humpbacks breathing in the bay.

In this lyrical story, luminously illustrated by Crystal Smith, mom and daughter find the space to grieve Grandpa and reconnect with each other in the wild beauty of nature. And they come to realize that -- perhaps like whales -- those we've loved are always with us, even if we don't see them anymore.

Key Text Features

illustrations

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3

Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4

Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7

Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.



Review Quotes




Told with an understated sensitivity, Maybe a Whale offers readers a lesson on grieving and the value of fulfilling promises even to the dead. Told with great care and supported by lovely illustrations that take the reader into the world of northern waters and whales, this is a life lesson to readers.

-- "Children's Literature Comprehensive Database"

Kirsten Pendreigh takes a less boisterous, more poetic approach [and] illustrator Crystal Smith ... does a masterful job.

-- "Montreal Gazette"

This story [will] remind readers of the unpredictability of life.

-- "New York Times"

A beautiful story about a mother and daughter's journey to heal from their grief and to reconnect with each other and the ocean.

-- "CM: Canadian Review of Materials"

A poignant story of a grieving mother and daughter who find solace in nature and in each other's company. A range of emotions -- sorrow, wonder, peace -- are lyrically intertwined and expressed.

-- "Canadian Children's Book News"

A quiet, comforting story.

-- "Wall Street Journal"

Reminds us that memories can keep loved ones close, even when they're gone.

-- "Hakai Magazine"

Smith's depictions ... are jaw-dropping. A moving meditation on grief.

-- "School Library Journal"

Illustrations with watery backgrounds blur the line between sea and sky, showing mother and daughter in fog and rain, at twilight and dawn--in liminal moments that echo their grief ... A tender testament to love and loss. STARRED REVIEW

-- "Horn Book"

Smith's impressionistic art style breathes life into Pendreigh's lyrical text in this moving picture book about the strong connection between grandfather and granddaughter.

-- "Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"

Pendreigh's evocative text alternates between narration and the protagonist's inner thoughts, offering excellent conversation starters for helping children deal with loss.

-- "Kirkus"
Dimensions (Overall): 11.5 Inches (H) x 8.8 Inches (W) x .4 Inches (D)
Weight: 1.05 Pounds
Suggested Age: 3-6 Years
Sub-Genre: Family
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
Number of Pages: 36
Publisher: Groundwood Books
Theme: Multigenerational
Format: Hardcover
Author: Kirsten Pendreigh
Language: English
Street Date: August 1, 2023
TCIN: 88116965
UPC: 9781773066646
Item Number (DPCI): 247-45-3674
Origin: Made in the USA or Imported

Shipping details

Estimated ship dimensions: 0.4 inches length x 8.8 inches width x 11.5 inches height
Estimated ship weight: 1.05 pounds
We regret that this item cannot be shipped to PO Boxes.
This item cannot be shipped to the following locations: American Samoa (see also separate entry under AS), Guam (see also separate entry under GU), Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico (see also separate entry under PR), United States Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands, U.S., APO/FPO

Return details

This item can be returned to any Target store or Target.com.
This item must be returned within 90 days of the date it was purchased in store, shipped, delivered by a Shipt shopper, or made ready for pickup.
See the return policy for complete information.

Related Categories

5.0 out of 5 stars with 3 reviews
100% would recommend
3 recommendations

A Touching Story About Dealing With Loss

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Maybe A Whale - 2 years ago
Kirsten Pendreigh's lyrical text + Crystal Smith's rich, vibrant illustrations = a powerful, tug-at-your-heartstrings story about dealing with loss. The most touching line..."I tell Grandpa the whales are still here. Even if I can't see them" is a good reminder that although we may not physically be able to see someone we've lost, they are still here in our hearts. Highly recommend MAYBE A WHALE for all but particularly for those who are grieving.
Did you find this review helpful?

MAYBE A WHALE

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
Ellen L - 2 years ago
Kirsten Pendreigh's words and Crystal Smith's illustrations combine to create a book that will take your breath away. Grandpa planned an ocean trip with his granddaughter, but they never got to take it together. With encouragement from Mom, mother and daughter embark on that journey together. Mom feels that it will help them cope with the loss of Grandpa. So, off they go to find his beloved whales. They keep an eye out for whales, but although they see many other fantastic ocean creatures, the whales remain elusive. However, in the quiet of the night, Mom and daughter hear "pushhh," the whales' breath, and know they are there. What a wonderful reminder that perhaps you don't have to see a loved one to know they are still with you. This book is perfect for children who have experienced loss, but it's just as wonderful for all children. And a great reminder for adults too. I highly recommend MAYBE A WHALE.
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Beautiful and poignant

5 out of 5 stars
Thumbs up graphic, would recommend
glitzalicious - 2 years ago
A young girl sets off on a trip that her late grandfather had planned. She and her grieving mother embark upon their kayaking and camping adventure, hoping to see whales, but the animals initially prove elusive. Through a combination of lyrical, heartfelt text and soothingly-hued illustrations, readers are taken on a transformative journey with the main characters (one that will, quite possibly, impact them, too). This book is a both beautiful and poignant, and comes highly recommended.
Did you find this review helpful?

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