The Boy and the Whale

by Michael Moniz

Overview

On a little island in the middle of the big ocean, there lives a little boy who is lonely. He dreams of adventure on the high seas
and loves to go out on his boat every day to fish. He is about to meet a very big friend that will change his life forever.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781927018149
Publisher:	Simply Read Books
Publication date:	11/30/2013
Pages:	36
Product dimensions:	8.30(w) x 9.50(h) x 0.50(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Born in Toronto, Ontario, Michael Moniz spent his childhood living between the big city and the tranquil Azores islands of Portugal. It is this unique upbringing and an early appreciation for culture and the arts that inspired Michael at young age. His skill in watercolors, oils and sketches garnered accolades from the local Portuguese community, leading him from small-scale works to commissioned wall-sized murals. Michael's eclectic background, combined with a love of ancient culture, prompted him to explore a new creative outlet in storytelling. His children's tales are full of wonder and whimsy, as well as deep meaning and morals. This is his second book with SImply Read Books, following Wazzyjump, which garnered a starred review from Kirkus.

Read an Excerpt

Long ago, on a little island in the middle of the big ocean, there lived a boy. His family was very poor and the boy had no brothers and sisters. He was very lonely. Every day when the weather was nice, the little boy would sail out to sea and cast his fishing line. On stormy days, he walked or fished along the rocky shore. He loved the ocean and fishing more than anything.
One day while sailing, the boy heard a strange and eerie sound echoing in the distance. He decided to sail towards it to see what it was.

Editorial Reviews

Resource Links –
In Moniz’s new picture book, kindness is returned in an opportune way. When an island boy is out fishing in his boat (perhaps for a meal because he is poor), he rescues a whale that has been caught in a net. A few days later, the whale hears the boy’s cries for help after being pulled into the water by a sailfish. The whale appears to smile as he carries his new friend safely to shore. The book ends with a reminiscence; “As the boy grew into a man, he always remembered how far a little kindness can go, and how big a friend you can make along the way.” Soft, watercolour illustrations include close-ups of the grey whale and sunny lighthouse views from the shore. As the waves and the clouds twirl with a similar intensity, fish and gulls give above and below water. The text, which moves up and down like the waves, is decorated with shadows of sea creatures. This book would be dun to share with children who live along the coast or who enjoy activities on the water.
Thematic Links: Loneliness, Friendship; Whale; Sailing; Ocean; Rescue; Fishing; Kindness

From the Publisher