Review: Calling the Whales

Calling the Whales is an uplifting story of courage, friendship and trust that echoes with a powerful message of caring for our coastal environment. 

Tulsi and her best friend Satchen live in the fishing town of East Shawle on the Scottish Coast.  Looking forward to the summer holidays, they are enjoying a night-time race up the Craig, an ancient hill with a replica monument of a whale’s jawbone.  As Tulsi looks out to sea, she senses that something is out of place, so the best friends decide to investigate …

Rowing out to the island, they hear strange noises as they begin their search.  Could the cries be coming from the seabirds, or something else?  When the children discover that a magnificent sea creature needs their help, they are determined to save it, despite the danger they face from an incoming storm … Will they be in time to save the creature, or will they be the ones in need of saving?

I loved this gorgeously told story with its appreciation of the wildness and beauty of nature, with its message of caring for the environment, and with the hope that is given through the children’s courage and determination in protecting the environment from the harm that is being caused.  I also loved the element of spirituality and the bonds of friendship that form.

Tulsi and Satchen clearly care deeply about the environment, and especially the harm that is being done to the seas and the creatures who live there through pollution and commercial fishing.  These young conservationists take part in beach cleans and sponsored events to raise money.  This is a great way for children to become aware of ways in which they can help care for the seas and oceans.  I liked the inclusion of a section at the end of the book which gives readers ideas for ways they can help, including supporting charities like Authors4Oceans and learning more about oceans and marine life.

The black-and-white illustrations are stunning and really evoke the wildness and beauty of the coastal environment; the dangers faced by sea creatures and the need to protect our wonderful world; and, the close friendship between Tulsi and Satchen.

This is an exciting adventure for readers of 9+ with a heartfelt environmental message radiating throughout.

This book is published by Barrington Stoke who publish dyslexia-friendly, super-readable and accessible books for children of all ages.  This one is for ages 9+ with a reading age of 8.

Thank you so much to Barrington Stoke for sending me a copy of this wonderful book to read and review in exchange for my honest opinion.