Official Review: Walter the Whale by Olivia Carmichael

[shelbylcc125]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Walter the Whale" by Olivia Carmichael.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Walter the Whale by Olivia Carmichael is a short children's book about an orange whale named Walter. Walter is the only orange whale in a group of blue whales. When he realizes that he is different than the other whales, Walter seeks out other orange fish in the ocean. He meets several groups of other colored animals before being told that he fit in and that he is special just the way he is.

Walter the Whale tackles a major issue that troubles a lot of children today, fitting in. Walter doesn't believe that he fits in anywhere because he doesn't have the same skin color as the other whales. Walter seeking out others of his own skin color relates to kids of today in the way that kids tend to form cliques and groups based on skin color alone.

The illustrations in this book are colorful and consistent throughout the story. They completely follow the words that are happening on that page. All of the fish are happy and I believe that children will really respond to the color and simplicity of the pictures.

I give this book a 3 out of 4 stars. This book is short and simple and gets straight to the point of the story. I thought the book was cute and makes a statement about being different. However, it was very repetitive, which for a children's book isn't a terrible thing, but can be irritating for an adult reading it to a child. I think that the story is a little too short. I can easily read this book in less then 3 minutes, so when trying to read it to a child I could extend it to maybe 8 minutes, which is a very short time when you are trying to entertain a child and teach them a lesson at the same time.

What I really liked about the book, was the way it made me feel. I felt sorry for Walter and I wanted him to be happy in his own skin and to be himself. I also enjoyed the illustrations and the happy faces of the sea creatures. This book is geared toward children and I recommend this to anyone who wants to teach a child about being different and staying true to yourself.

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Walter the Whale
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[kimmyschemy06]

Sounds like a book with a valuable lesson, and with pictures and all, it seems like something kids would enjoy. If the book is meant to teach a child to read, that would explain the repetition. I think repetition aids in mastery of words. However, if the book is meant for adults to read for non-readers, then, that could be less enjoyable for the adult. Good job in the review

[zero_macabre]

It does seem like a great book that children will enjoy. Illustrations definitely do play an important role in children's books! Thank you for the great review!

[Kourtney Bradley]

This sounds like such a good story. Valuable lessons are so great to find. Nice review! Thank you for sharing!

[Taylor Razzani]

Sounds like a cute story with a valuable lesson! I just might have to pick this one up for my niece and nephew. Thanks for the review!