Whales and Us

  • Illustrated By: Nathalie Dion
    Translated by: David Warriner
  • Pages:56
  • Publisher:Orca Book Publishers
  • Themes:marine mammals, cetaceans, myths and legends, conservation, endangered species
  •  
  • Available:05/14/2024
  • Lexile:1000L
  • Fountas & Pinnell Text Level Gradient:U
Hardcover
9781459839342
$24.95
Ebook
9781459839366 LICENSE OPTIONS
$19.99

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.

“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)

“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

“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

“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)

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

– Sal's Fiction Addiction

“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.”

– BC Books for Schools
Forest of Reading Silver Birch Express Award   | 2025  |  Nominated
CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection   | 2024  |  Commended
Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets - Honourable Mention   | 2024  |  Commended
BC Books for Schools   | 2024  |  Commended
The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award (GEBA) - Recommended Reading   | 2025  |  Commended