Name: Eye of the Whale, The
SKU: 978-0-88448-395-3

Green Earth Book Award

Moonbeam Gold

Maryland Blue Crab Honor Award

Society of School Librarians Honor Award

In THE EYE OF THE WHALE by author/illustrator Jennifer O’Connell, a distress call was radioed to shore by a local fisherman off the coast of San Francisco. He had discovered a humpback whale tangled in hundreds of yards of crab-trap lines, struggling to stay at the water’s surface to breathe. A team of volunteers answered the call, and four divers risked their lives to rescue the enormous animal. What followed was a rare and remarkable demonstration of animal intelligence that has been celebrated around the world.

As people found out about the event, questions arose. Did the whale help the divers by staying still and calm as they cut the lines or was she just exhausted? Was the whale full of joy after being freed or did she swim in circles to stretch out her huge body after being tied up for so long? How do we explain the whale nudging all the divers, and then looking directly at them? This celebrated story, beautifully depicted in Jennifer O’Connell’s mesmerizing paintings, will make you wonder about animal emotions and the unique connections we can have with other animals, even whales.

To research The Eye of the Whale, Jennifer traveled to San Francisco where she met Captain Mick Menigoz and rode his rescue boat, Superfish, out into the Pacific Ocean to the area where the events in the book took place. This experience fueled her inspiration as she created the images and words of this extraordinary story.

Video trailer: https://youtu.be/fEovaA0WQl4

This is a must watch and listen! https://youtu.be/l6BPh4_psGc

“With this story that amazes while it informs, readers cannot help but be touched by a singular event in which an ensnared humpback whale makes a profound connection with her rescuers. …O’Connell expertly merges the art of storytelling with journalistic excellence in recounting this well researched past event. …The painted illustrations portray the situation from various perspectives and are a strong complement to the gripping text.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Will spark discussions about the whale’s ability to experience and demonstrate emotions.”—School Library Journal

“Spare lyrical prose and stunning illustrations…” —Washington Parent

“Captures the excitement and danger of a real life rescue…”
—Parents Express, Montgomery Media

“The limited text and enchanting pictures will leave young and old readers thrilled with the joyous ending, and in awe of the intelligence of whales and their ability to communicate.”
—Children’s Literature

“Sure to be popular in the Bay Area and with whale-lovers everywhere.” —Bay Views

Endorsements:

“This true story of courage and compassion is brought to life by stunning illustrations. You will be awed and humbled by the deep connections possible between humans and animals. And you will be inspired to do all you can to help protect whales.”

— Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE

Founder, The Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace

“This is a beautiful story, one of the most moving I have heard about, showing that a whale is capable of gratitude, and can understand that some humans, at least, want to help whales, not harm them. The drawings and the story are simply enchanting. I don’t believe it is possible to read this without tears, but good tears for a change! I highly recommend it to all children, who will understand its significance immediately!”

— Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson, New York Times bestselling author of When Elephants Weep