Show Us Where You Live, Humpback

October 22, 2021
Grades K-3 This gentle picture book presents parallel storylines of two youngsters--a boy and a humpback whale--learning and growing under the care of their respective mothers. As the boy stands upon the shore with his mother, he addresses the whale calf through a mix of observations and comparisons between his life on land and the calf's in the deep blue ocean. The language is melodic and descriptive as it ties the whale's development and movements with the boy's, subtly linking humans with nature and integrating anatomical terms. For instance, the humpback's blowhole, emitting a powerful spray, is similar to the boy's mouth as he blows bubbles. Another spread shows how the calf learns to use its tail fluke to propel itself through the water, just as the boy uses his legs to pump himself on the swing. Beautiful watercolor illustrations juxtapose the experiences of the calf and boy, capturing realistic details of life in the blue-toned ocean, while the scenes on land appear in soft, muted tones. Additional information on humpback whales is appended. A wonderful choice for storytime.

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Starred review from April 15, 2021
Young humpback whales have much in common with human children. A very young child describes the life of a mother humpback whale and her calf and how it mirrors their own. The whale mother keeps her baby safe so it can grow and learn, as does the narrator's own human mother. Both mothers care for their offspring with great tenderness and love. As the child and the baby whale grow bigger and stronger, they can do more things on their own. Both youngsters find excitement jumping and diving in the water. There are many more similarities. Blowing a plume matches blowing bubbles, and both can shout and sing. The whale and the child can cuddle with their moms as they fall asleep to dream of their shared worlds. The child describes the whale's actions as if speaking directly to the creature, employing lovely, soaring language that reflects great admiration and wonder for all humpback whales. The child narrates their own actions more simply, with joy and excitement at growing stronger and more able. As each of the whales' life experiences is followed by the child's comparison, Kikuchi's illustrations match the same pattern. The whales are shown in their home environment in the vastness of the blue sea while the child is seen on shore in the brightness of the sun. These whales are shown accurately, with fins, flukes, knobs, and mouths in correct proportion and the beauty of their movements honored. Child and mother have olive skin and straight, black hair. A true homage to these wondrous creatures. (afterword) (Picture book. 3-8)

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