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In the World of Whales
CCBC Review:
A free diver trained “to dive on a single breath of air” witnesses a remarkable underwater scene in this awe-inspiring, poetic real-life story. Spotting a clan of sperm whales near the surface, the diver, in wetsuit, googles, and flippers, enters the water and slowly descends toward a “cloud of blood”—the birth of a whale! Mature sperm whales are floating nearby as if to welcome and embrace the new calf. The diver, “silent and stealthy,” goes up for a breath as the whales help the calf surface for the first time. When they notice the diver, he wonders whether he’ll be seen as a threat. He keeps his movements slow; he is “graceful, / patient, / allowing the whales to approach.” Their sounds “vibrate the man’s bones / and heat his chest.” They observe him curiously, and then, as if he is one of them, “the mother nudges the calf toward the man. She presents her wrinkly baby as if to say, ‘Meet the newest member of our family.’” A gatefold in the book opens up to a magnificent view of the man floating, camera in hand, in front of the calf, the two of them surrounded by enormous whales. Back matter includes information about free divers (including Fred Buyle, featured in this story) and whales. ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Jessica Lanan
CCBC Age Recommendation: 4-7
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Format:
Picture book
Subject:
Animals (Informational)
Publishers:
Holiday House, Neal Porter Books
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 40
ISBN: 9780823453429
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 599 Cusolito