Soren's Seventh Song - by Dave Eggers (Hardcover)

About the Book

Convinced whale songs are boring, young humpback whale Soren decides to write his own, catchier tunes, and even when his music is met with less than encouraging feedback, he finds a way to keep composing.

Book Synopsis

From Pulitzer Prize finalist and New York Times bestselling author Dave Eggers, Soren's Seventh Song is a deadpan take on creativity and persistence, as told through the eyes of a humpback whale looking for a new song--with color illustrations by Mark Hoffman.

Soren, a young humpback whale, loves music but is tired of the dull, droning, endless songs that are frustratingly popular among the adult whales he knows. He has ideas for better songs: shorter, up-tempo tunes with snare drums and even maracas. Unfortunately, every time he shares his new tunes with his friends, he's met with less than encouraging feedback and even a bit of discreet whale vomiting.

In this upbeat story of resilience and tenacity, Dave Eggers offers readers of all ages essential creative advice: your first drafts are probably terrible.

Review Quotes

***STARRED REVIEW***
"In this hilarious story, Eggers succeeds in giving readers one whale of a lesson on the values of learning from criticism, abandoning what isn't working, and never giving up."
-- "Booklist"

***STARRED REVIEW***
"It's hard work to make something that's not only new but wins the hearts of others, but in the hands of these creators--human and whale alike--the labors of the creative process sing."-- "Publisher's Weekly"

"[T]he dry, witty voice and direct asides give this picture book plenty of humor, and there's a surprising balance between snark and tenderness... solo readers will delight in the irreverent humor."-- "Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books"

"Despite (or because of?) murky waters that seem related to writerly indulgence, this develops a theme worth the hearing, even for creative readers well beyond the younger reaches of the picture book audience."-- "School Library Journal"

"Eggers tackles important themes--the challenges of the creative process, which entails unavoidable laboring, and the necessity of trustworthy friends willing to give honest feedback. An approachable explanation of tenacity, friendship, and hope."-- "Kirkus"

About the Author

Dave Eggers is the author of books for readers of all ages, including The Eyes and the Impossible and The Circle, as well as numerous books for young readers, including Her Right Foot, What Can a Citizen Do?, and The Lifters. He is the founder of the independent publishing company McSweeney's and the cofounder of 826 Valencia, a youth writing center--fronted by a supply store for working pirates--that has inspired dozens of other organizations worldwide.
Mark Hoffmann is an illustrator and a professor of illustration at Montserrat College of Art. His books include Iamasaurus, Poop, and A Is for Apple, Unless . . ., all published by Cameron Kids. He lives in southern New Hampshire with his wife and son.