The 7 Best Children’s Books About Whales: Reviewed

Written by Alan Lemus
Updated: April 25, 2023
© slowmotiongli/Shutterstock.com

Advertisement


This post may contain affiliate links to our partners like Chewy, Amazon, and others. Purchasing through these helps us further the A-Z Animals mission to educate about the world's species.

Many children are obsessed with whales. And who can blame them? After all, they are the biggest mammals on Earth!

Of course, because they’re so huge, some very small kids may be terrified if they saw a whale in real life. That’s why we rounded up and reviewed seven books about whales that portray them in a non-threatening, even friendly, cute, and cuddly manner. Any choice from this list will leave your kid even more enamored with these gentle giants.

  1. The Boy and the Whale
    • 40 pages.
    • Recommended for children ages 4 through 7.
    • Inspired partially by a real-life video of a whale's rescue.
    • Teaches kids about bravery and the need to help others.
    Check Amazon
  2. The Heart of a Whale
    • 40 pages.
    • Recommended for children ages 3 through 7.
    • Soothing illustrations.
    • Portrays many different emotions.
    Check Amazon
  3. Breathe
    • 40 pages.
    • Customers recommend this book for children ages 1 through 4.
    • A fun and short read.
    Check Amazon
  4. Amos & Boris
    • 32 pages.
    • Customers recommend this book for children ages 3 through 8.
    • Detailed and colorful graphics.
    • A teacher's pick.
    • Shows the importance of friendship.
    Check Amazon
  5. Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem
    • 48 pages.
    • Customers recommend this book for children ages 4 through 8.
    • It helps kids learn about responsibility.
    • The graphics are well-detailed.
    Check Amazon
  6. A Whale in the Bathtub
    • 40 pages.
    • Recommended for children ages 4 through 7.
    • A good read for kids who make a lot of excuses.
    • A humorous read.
    Check Amazon
  7. Storm Whale
    • Recommended for children ages 2 through 6.
    • Teaches a profound lesson for children and families.
    • The first in a series of three books.
    Check Amazon

1. The Boy and the Whale by Mordicai Gerstein

This book was written by renowned film director, artist, writer, and illustrator Mordicai Gerstein. It was inspired by a real-life video.

It tells the story of a boy and his father, who is a fisherman. One day, they sought to catch fish but instead sailed upon a whale stuck in a net. The innocence of the child compels him to want to save that whale, but his father command him not to. Nonetheless, the boy dives in to see if he can keep the whale alive. 

It’s a highly visual book that is 40 pages long and intended for kids ages four to seven. It is a long read for children, but with the graphics, it makes up for an exciting purchase. However, the book does not have vibrant or colorful animated images. Instead, it has illustrations and sketches that are more realistic. It’s available in Kindle and hardcover formats.

Pros and Cons of The Boy and the Whale by Mordicai Gerstein

ProsCons
This book was written by Mordicai Gerstein, a renowned film director, artist, writer, and illustrator.None
It was inspired by a real-life video.
The book tells the tale of a boy and his father, who is a fisherman. One day, they happen upon a whale that’s stuck in one of their nets. The boy feels compelled to dive in to save the whale.
This book is 40 pages long, intended for kids ages four to seven, and features detailed illustrations.
It’s available in Kindle and hardcover formats.
The Boy and the Whale
  • 40 pages.
  • Recommended for children ages 4 through 7.
  • Inspired partially by a real-life video of a whale's rescue.
  • Teaches kids about bravery and the need to help others.
Check Amazon

2. The Heart of a Whale by Anna Pignataro 

Award-winning Anna Pignataro, who has written over 60 children’s books, wrote this book. It’s more melancholy than most children’s books. But that is exactly why we included it on our list.

It is a sweet book where a whale sings a soulful song for its friends in the ocean. They are all calmed by the whale’s voice, but his songs leave an emptiness inside its own heart. Near the end, however, the whale does find solace. You and your child will experience a wide range of emotions reading this book: kindness, empathy, sadness, and eventually relief. 

The book features sketches that are colorful and bright. They resemble watercolors, which lend a soothing effect. It’s 40 pages, recommended for kids ages three to five, and is available in Kindle and hardcover formats.

Several reviewers said that they — or their child — thought the book was boring.

Pros and Cons of The Heart of a Whale by Anna Pignataro 

ProsCons
This book was written by award-winning Anna Pignataro, who has written over 60 children’s books.A few reviewers said that the book was boring.
It’s more melancholy than most children’s books.
The story is about a whale that sings a soulful song for its friends in the ocean. They are calmed by the whale’s singing, but his songs leave an emptiness in his heart. At the end he does find solace.
Your child will learn about a wide range of emotions, including kindness, empathy, sadness, and eventually relief. 
The illustrations are colorful and bright and resemble soothing watercolors.
It’s 40 pages, recommended for kids ages three to five, and is available in Kindle and hardcover formats.
The Heart of a Whale
  • 40 pages.
  • Recommended for children ages 3 through 7.
  • Soothing illustrations.
  • Portrays many different emotions.
Check Amazon

3. Breathe by Scott Magoon 

Bestselling author Scott Magoon is the writer and illustrator behind this book. He has written many critically acclaimed picture books for children.

This book is about a baby whale and its mother. The baby whale sets out to experience little adventures in the ocean alone before returning safely to its mother.

The book features beautiful, calming illustrations of life underwater that will delight children and soothe adults. It’s 40 pages long, intended for kids one to four, and available in Kindle and hardcover formats.

Pros and Cons of Breathe by Scott Magoon 

ProsCons
This book was written and illustrated by bestselling author Scott Magoon, who has written many critically acclaimed picture books for kids.None
This book is about a baby whale who ventures out into the ocean for a day of adventures before returning safely to its mother.
It features calming illustrations that will delight children and soothe adults.
It’s 40 pages long, intended for kids one to four, and available in Kindle and hardcover formats.
Breathe
  • 40 pages.
  • Customers recommend this book for children ages 1 through 4.
  • A fun and short read.
Check Amazon

4. Amos and Boris by William Steig

William Steig is a great illustrator and writer responsible for writing the masterpiece Shrek. And this book is not far behind on the success list, although it is pretty old. It may not have been turned into a movie, but it is a great read for children.

This book is about the classic lesson of many children’s books: friendship. But this beautiful story is about the friendship between a mouse and a whale. It may be an unusual combination, but they end up saving each other from unfortunate circumstances.

The book features beautiful, detailed, colorful illustrations. It’s only 32 pages, intended for kids ages three to eight, and available in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover formats.

A few reviewers didn’t like the storyline. And a couple were disturbed by references to drowning, which they didn’t feel were appropriate for children.

Pros and Cons of Amos and Boris by William Steig

ProsCons
This book was written and illustrated by William Steig, the creator of Shrek.A few reviewers didn’t like the storyline.
It’s about an unusual friendship between a mouse and a whale who save each other from unfortunate circumstances.A couple of reviewers were disturbed by references to drowning, which they didn’t feel were appropriate for children.
The illustrations are beautiful, detailed, and colorful.
It’s only 32 pages, intended for kids ages three to eight, and available in Kindle, paperback, and hardcover formats.
Amos & Boris
  • 32 pages.
  • Customers recommend this book for children ages 3 through 8.
  • Detailed and colorful graphics.
  • A teacher's pick.
  • Shows the importance of friendship.
Check Amazon

5. Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem by Mac Barnett (Author), Adam Rex (Illustrator)

This book was written by Mac Bennet, a New York Times bestselling author whose children’s books have sold more than a million copies in the U.S. and been translated into over 30 languages. It was illustrated by Adam Rex.

It tells the story of parents who threaten to buy a whale as a pet for their kid unless he does his chores. It is to help him learn about the act of responsibility. The kids will have a great time reading and laughing through the moments when the whale arrives. It creates a whole situation for the family with a great twist near the end.  

The illustrations are very realistic and detailed as well. You can tell the story from just the pictures. The book is 48 pages long, intended for kids ages four to eight, and available in hardcover picture book format.

Several reviewers didn’t like the storyline.

Pros and Cons of Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem by Mac Barnett (Author), Adam Rex (Illustrator)

ProsCons
This book was written by New York Times bestselling children’s book author Mac Bennet and illustrated by Adam Rex.It’s only available in hardcover picture book format.
It tells the story of parents who threaten to buy a whale as a pet for their son unless he does his chores.Several reviewers didn’t like the storyline.
It’s a humorous book about responsibility.
The illustrations are detailed and realistic.
The book is 48 pages long and intended for kids ages four to eight.
Billy Twitters and His Blue Whale Problem
  • 48 pages.
  • Customers recommend this book for children ages 4 through 8.
  • It helps kids learn about responsibility.
  • The graphics are well-detailed.
Check Amazon

6. A Whale in the Bathtub by Kylie Westaway (Author), Tom Jellett (Illustrator)

Kylie Westaway and Tom Jellet wrote and illustrated this book, respectively. Westaway is an author who has written three children’s books, one of which is a sequel to this book. In contrast, Jellet is best known as an illustrator and has penned his sketches in various children’s books.

The story is about a child, Bruno, who is weary of taking baths and is fond of making excuses. Both of these scenarios, combined with the fact that he encounters a whale in the tub, make this book a humorous read. With a whale in the tub that nobody believes is there, how will Bruno get clean?

This picture book features attractive, vibrant images that are sure to keep children engaged. It’s 40 pages, geared toward kids ages four through seven, and is available in Kindle and hardcover formats.

Pros and Cons of A Whale in the Bathtub by Kylie Westaway (Author), Tom Jellett (Illustrator)

ProsCons
This book was written by Kylie Westaway and illustrated by Tom Jellet.None
It’s about a boy named Bruno who doesn’t like taking baths and is fond of making excuses.
One day, he finds a whale in the tub and nobody believes him. How will he be able to take his bath?
This book is packed with attractive, vibrant images.
It’s 40 pages, geared toward kids ages four through seven, and is available in Kindle and hardcover formats.
A Whale in the Bathtub
  • 40 pages.
  • Recommended for children ages 4 through 7.
  • A good read for kids who make a lot of excuses.
  • A humorous read.
Check Amazon

7. Storm Whale by Benji Davies

Benji Davies is the brains behind this book and is a famous illustrator, writer, and animation director. He has written many books for children, including a sequel to this book. His books are best known for the vibrant graphics that kids adore. This particular book is the first in a series of three and is a quality read. It shows a lesson about the value of company and the importance of time spent with family.

This book is about a boy named Noi and his father, who is a fisherman. Noi is often alone with their six cats because his father spends long hours fishing. One day, after a storm, Noi finds a baby whale washed up on the beach. Lonely Noi takes it home and tries to hide it from his father, but it’s hard to hide a baby whale in the bathtub. Noi’s dad convinces him to return the whale to the ocean.

The illustrations are intriguing, detailed, and colorful. This 32-page book is appropriate for kids ages two to six and is available in Kindle, hardcover, and board book formats. 

Several reviewers said that “there wasn’t much of a story.”

Pros and Cons of Storm Whale by Benji Davies

ProsCons
This book was written and illustrated by Benji Davies, who has written many children’s books.Several reviewers said that “there wasn’t much of a story.”
Davies’ books are known for their vibrant graphics that kids adore.
The book is about a lonely child who finds a baby whale washed up on the beach and brings it home. His father convinces him to return it to the sea where it belongs.
The illustrations are intriguing, detailed, and colorful.
This 32-page book is appropriate for kids ages two to six and is available in Kindle, hardcover, and board book formats. 
Storm Whale
  • Recommended for children ages 2 through 6.
  • Teaches a profound lesson for children and families.
  • The first in a series of three books.
Check Amazon

Choosing the Right Children’s Book About Whales

All of the books in our review are fictional picture books. So how can you choose the right one for your child? We recommend that you consider the following criterion: your child’s age, the storyline, the illustration style, and available formats. Let’s look at how these factors can help you choose.

Your Child’s Age

We included the recommended reading age for each book. Some kids read below their age level while others are able to read books meant for older kids. Choose one that may challenge your child’s reading skills a little without frustrating them.

The Storyline

Does your kid enjoy humorous books or prefer stories that are a little more thoughtful and sedate? Our list includes books that fall into both categories. While humorous books may be more lighthearted and fun, thoughtful books can spark deeper conversations with your child.

Illustration Style

Does your child prefer illustrations that are cartoonish or detailed and realistic? As a general rule, babies and toddlers prefer the former and older kids prefer the latter.

Available Formats

Board books are ideal for babies and toddlers since they’re relatively uncoordinated and extremely rough on books. Paperback and hardcover books are better for older kids who treat books a little more gently. And Kindle format will allow you to carry multiple books at any given time without additional weight. How convenient!

About the Author

Alan is a freelance writer and an avid traveler. He specializes in travel content. When he visits home he enjoys spending time with his family Rottie, Opie.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.