Rio feels completely out of place in California. He has been sent to stay with his Grandmother who is nothing like he imagined. She’s tall and thin and seems uncomfortable around him. The last time she saw him, he was a tiny baby in his mother’s arms. Now mum is in a special hospital for the illness that has moulded Rio’s life. Even at only age eleven he has always looked after his mum, whether it be making meals, getting her a cup of tea in the middle of the night, or holding her hand when she is really sad.

Now Rio can only speak to his mum once a week by phone and he can’t wait for that contact, but it isn’t long before Rio has connected with his mum in a different way. His grandmother Fran shows him a box of his mother’s childhood treasures and he finds pictures of hand drawn whales. There is one whale in particular that has been drawn over and over.

The seaside town that is to be his home for the next four weeks is a tourist spot for whale watchers. After making a friend called Marina he begins to learn about the grey whale, and the whale in his mum’s drawing. This whale is called White Beak. A photo of his mum on a whale watching boat shows her how she used to be. Beaming with happiness and love – White Beak was “her” whale.

Can he make mum happy again? What if he can get a photo of White Beak now? In his secret plans to make mum well again he discovers he has a special skill only few are born with. He also learns about a whole world of people who watch, count and enjoy grey whale’s migration patterns.

Soon it is not just a secret plan to save mum, but “his” whale. This plan has become so much bigger than just him, his mum or even White Beak. The entire ocean needs to be saved.

By the author of the stunning novel The Last Bear, The Lost Whale is just as heart wrenching about a child and an animal. These children have had to make tough grown-up decisions, and stand up for what they have come to love, and even put their own selves at risk for beautiful creatures.

The Lost Whale is also a tale of human kind’s effect on the Earth and its animals and a young boy’s discovery and determination to try and put it right. One animal at a time.

Levi Pinfold’s art work within The Lost Whale is another treat all of it’s own, some illustrations bringing a tear to my eye. This precious story and astounding art together – are pure treasure.  

Might need tissues for this one. I did. Simply beautiful.

Author – Hannah Gold

Illustrator – Levi Pinfold

Age – 8+

(2022, Harper Collins, Animals, Family, Depression, Music, Violin, Whales, Whale watching, Boats, Seaside community, Ocean pollution, Plastic, Ghost nets, Whale Migration, California, Mexico, Connection, Love, Friendship, Grandparent, Grandmother)