Whales and Us - by India Desjardins (Hardcover)

About the Book

This beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book examines the history, environment, biology and behaviors of whales. Using stories and legends, Whales and Us explores humans' relationships to whales, threats to the whales' existence and what we can do to protect them.

Book Synopsis

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.

Review Quotes

"Supports curriculum concepts related to understanding the features and behaviours of whales that help them thrive in their environment [and encourages readers] to make ethical decisions and become ecologically responsible citizens."

"A most impressive book...appealing illustrations complement the text, and offer context for the facts shared."

"Full of rich, interesting facts...Complementing the text are unique water-colour illustrations that bring life to the pages."

"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."

"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."

"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."

About the Author

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.

Nathalie Dion is an award-winning children's book illustrator. Her picture book The Big Bad Wolf in My House (Le grand méchant loup dans ma maison) won the 2021 Prix Espiègle and was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award, the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award and the Harry Black Picture Book Award. Nathalie graduated from Concordia University in design arts, and she is based in Montréal.