Official Review: Whale of Wonder by Marie-Paule Mahoney

[emeraldlaurice012]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Whale of Wonder" by Marie-Paule Mahoney.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Whale of Wonder, by Marie-Paule Mahoney, revolves around a conversation between Notch and his mother, Mama Tahlequah. They are both orca whales, a species that is dangerously close to extinction in the present. As we follow Notch and his mother swim across the ocean, we are enlightened as to what it’s like to live as an orca whale. We learn how they communicate and how they grieve their dead. Most especially, we learn that although these animals pose no harm to humans, humans are the very reason why there are so few of them left.

I can only describe this book in two words: simple and beautiful. The presentation of the book’s plot is so simple yet so meaningful. Although the entire book is just a conversation between the two whales, we learn so much from it that it doesn’t feel as short as it really is. The illustrations in the book are very beautiful, contributing greatly to my reading experience.

The thing that I liked most about this book is that it contains actual facts. Aside from life lessons, readers will learn factual knowledge that they may not have known before. For example, we learn that these whales use sound waves to navigate their way across the sea and to look for food. There was a portion in the book where the mother whale carried her dead daughter for days to find a resting place for her. Interestingly, this was actually based on a real event.

I didn’t find anything to dislike about this book. Everything was on point. It was short enough that young readers won’t have a hard time finishing it. I would recommend this book to parents who want something entertaining and educational to read to their children. However, I would not recommend this book to readers who don’t like reading books with talking animals in it.

I found only one error in this book. I liked this book so much that I would recommend this not only to children but to all ages. This is only a 15-minute read, and you will definitely learn a lot. The illustrations were my favorite part. It was so beautifully done that I would sometimes take a minute just to take it in. For that, I am awarding this book 4 out of 4 stars.

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Whale of Wonder
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[whitemunchkin]

Thanks a bunch for this meaningful review! Being an Early Childhood Teacher, children's book such as this one makes me excited to tell the story to littles! I just want to say that a good children's book has 2 defining factors: great illustrations and a lesson the kids can actually make use of in their life. This book will be added on my "Want to read" list

[Faithy_Goody_Star]

This book will be an informative read as readers will gain insight on these species of whales. Great review

[emeraldlaurice012]

Thanks a bunch for this meaningful review! Being an Early Childhood Teacher, children's book such as this one makes me excited to tell the story to littles! I just want to say that a good children's book has 2 defining factors: great illustrations and a lesson the kids can actually make use of in their life. This book will be added on my "Want to read" list

It really was such a good book!! Kids will truly learn something from this

[emeraldlaurice012]

This book will be an informative read as readers will gain insight on these species of whales. Great review

Yes! Readers of any age will learn something from this book.

[Judith Lloy]

I want this book now, it sounds like one my 9 yr old would love and have me read to her over and over. Thanks for the great review and introducing me to this title!

[AntonelaMaria]

I like knowledgeable and teachable books too. It is great that actual facts are included in the book. This is a pretty convincing review. Awesome review!

[Pandora10]

This sounds like an interesting book focused on Orcas, the largest member of the dolphin family. I love the cover for the book. As the plot is easy to understand and there are some beautiful illustrations this book should appeal to young readers and parents or teachers will appreciate the educational aspect of the story. Thanks for the interesting and thoughtful review on this book.

[Brenda Creech]

What a wonderful sounding book! It sounds perfect for all ages. How heartwrenching about the mother whale carrying her dead daughter on her back for days! A wonderful example to humans about caring for family! Thanks for the excellent review!

[smolbird]

I adore books on animals that provide information about them. I'm sure people of all ages will benefit from reading this book. Thank you for the review!

[NetMassimo]

This seems like a wonderful book for kids, and not only them, to learn about these cetaceans and their intelligence using a real-life story as its foundations. Thank you for your great review!

[Lostsoul20]

I love the book cover. I really liked your review. I may give this a try, even though I don’t have children of age to read it to, and I normally shy away from books with animals talking to one another. I will add it to my shelf.

[Misael Carlos]

It is good to know that this book contains facts about whales. I am looking forward to digging into this novel to learn much about these fascinating animals. Nice plot and it seems to promise a wonderful story. Congrats!

[Leen282]

Gorgeous cover photo! I am surprised that it is only a 15-minute read, I could already feel myself starting to enjoy the conversation between mother and son and was expecting a longer book (probably wishful thinking ).

[Sou Hi]

Thanks for your review. The story of the orca whales sounds nice, especially the facts about their lives, such as their usage of sound waves or their mourning for the death.