Maybe a Whale
Maybe a Whale by Kirsten Pendreigh, published by Groundwood Books in 2023, is a poignant exploration of grief and connection. This 36-page book, written in English, follows a girl and her mother as they embark on a kayaking trip along the Pacific west coast, a journey initially planned by the girl’s late grandfather. As they navigate the waters, the girl grapples with her loss while seeking the whales her grandfather cherished, questioning how they can find them amidst the vast ocean.
Throughout their adventure, the mother and daughter encounter various marine life, including moon jellies and seals, which enrich their experience. The story beautifully illustrates the themes of family and bereavement, allowing the characters to process their emotions in the serene backdrop of nature. As they listen for the sounds of humpback whales at night, they come to understand that those they have loved remain with them in spirit, even when unseen. This lyrical narrative, complemented by illustrations from Crystal Smith, invites readers to reflect on the enduring bonds of love and memory.
Official synopsis Publisher
After Grandpa dies, a girl and her mother take the trip he had planned for her, kayaking along the Pacific west coast to look for the whales that he loved.
The trip will do them good, Mom says, but the girl isn’t sure. How can that be true when Grandpa isn’t there? And how will they find a whale in all that water, anyway?
There is so much to see as they paddle through white-tipped waves and calm coves: glowing moon jellies, fluttering anemones and slippery seals. All the while, the girl watches for whales. Could one be swimming beneath their kayak or along the shore of their camp? Are the whales even there?
Finally, in the dark of night, they hear them — pushhhhhhhh, pushhhhhhh — humpbacks breathing in the bay.
In this lyrical story, luminously illustrated by Crystal Smith, mom and daughter find the space to grieve Grandpa and reconnect with each other in the wild beauty of nature. And they come to realize that — perhaps like whales — those we’ve loved are always with us, even if we don’t see them anymore.
Key Text Features
illustrations
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3
Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4
Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7
Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.
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