The Little Crooked Bookshelf

If You Want to See a Whale 
by Julie Fogliano and Erin E. Stead

This week's pick is by Cottager: Kristen Tracy

What it's all about . . .

A quiet journey about a boy and his dog and a little bird, who go looking for a whale.

Why it’s on the Crooked Bookshelf . . .
The art of patience isn’t a subject often tackled in picture books, and this one is a winner.

Our favorite lines . . .
If you want to see a whale you will need a window and an ocean and time for waiting and time for looking and time for wondering “is that a whale?”

Our favorite illustration . . .

[Illustration Copyright 2013, Erin Stead, Roaring Brook Press]

Why kids will love it . . .

Who doesn’t want to look for a whale?! With your dog?! And a bird?!

Why grown-ups will love it . . .

It’s a precise and perfect tale about looking and finding. Worthwhile discoveries take patience. And this book reminds readers that it’s important to appreciate the journey.