Description
From School Library Journal PreS-Gr 2—In this sequel to The Storm Whale, Noi misses the friend he rescued and released back into the sea. As winter approaches, the boy's father makes a final trip in his fishing boat. When an evening storm arrives, Noi decides he must search for his dad by venturing onto the ice. Despite the blinding snow, he eventually reaches the boat only to discover that his father is gone. What to do? In a reversal of familiar accounts of humans helping whales trapped by ice, the storm whale and his family push the small boy and the boat back to shore for a joyful reunion. Yes, the story is improbable, but friendship often generates its own magic. The illustrations of rugged coastlines contrast with those of the cozy interior of Noi's compact, neat house. His small lantern shines through the swirling snow against the charcoal sky. Among the striking images are the spreads of the whales' perspective as they gather beneath the boat and their progress to shore as they sing "through puffs of steam and spray" while lighthouse beams illuminate their path. VERDICT A seasonal adventure sure to delight those who enjoyed the storm whale's original story, this tale of friendship will please new listeners as well.—Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University Library, Mankato "Once again, Davies’s careful storytelling and muted artwork draw substantial emotional depth out of Noi and his father’s seaside life, a setting both realistic and dashed with magic." ― Publishers Weekly, on The Storm Whale in Winter Big Friends :"Excellent, believable advice, with boxes-what could be better than that?" ― Kirkus Reviews "Sarah captures the joys and pain of a camaraderie that seems exquisitely perfect―until it isn't. . . . Davies makes the story sing from beginning to end with lovely drawings that feel sturdy and resolutely optimistic, even when Birt is at his lowest." ― Publishers Weekly The Storm Whale :"An understated, profoundly charming little fable." ― The Financial Times "Simple but powerful. . . The world may still be as big and lonely and incomprehensible as the ocean, but still it's possible to find tremendous, heart-stopping tenderness." ― The New York Times "With its windblown illustrations and gratifying arc, The Storm Whale would be wonderful to read in the safe harbor of bedtime." ― The Wall Street Journal Benji Davies is the author and illustrator of The Storm Whale . As a child, he was often found painting at the kitchen table . . . a habit he has continued into adulthood. He lives in London with his wife, Nina. Read more
Features & Highlights
- In this sequel to
- The Storm Whale
- , the boy, Noi, is caught in a storm at sea and his whale friend comes to his rescue.When Noi's dad sails out on one last fishing trip before winter, Noi waits for him at home. But as the storm worsens and his dad does not return, Noi decides to go looking for his dad. But the storm is powerful and dangerous, and soon Noi, too, is stuck in the icy sea. When it seems that all hope is lost, a friend comes to help Noi and his father. Poignant and evocative, this is a beautiful celebration of friendship and family, and the special bond between a father and son.
