The Storm Whale
Author & Illustrator: Benji Davies
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
ISBN: 9780805099676
Reading Level: Ages 4–8
Main Character: Noi, a quiet little boy who lives with his fisherman father by the sea.
Plot: When a storm comes into Noi’s coastal home area, it leaves behind a small whale washed up on the shore. With his dad away fishing, Noi takes the whale home to care for it in secret. What follows is a story of connection, responsibility, and the quiet love between a child and his parent.
Settings: The beach after a storm and Noi’s home.
Genre/Theme/Style: Fiction, empathy, solitude, caregiving, water, ocean, or animal care.
I Gave This Book 5 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁🦁
Why 5 Roars?
This book is a sea-swept treasure. The art alone could tell the story, but the quiet emotion in the words adds warmth and depth. Ideal for cuddling up with after a day on the water or after a storm.
Critical Analysis: The Storm Whale handles complex emotions, loneliness, nurturing, and letting go with simplicity and grace. Noi’s independence is portrayed with respect, while the father-son relationship unfolds through action rather than words. It’s a tool for gently exploring feelings of care and separation.
Connections: Great for readers who love The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats or The Lion and the Bird by Marianne Dubuc. Perfect tie-in for a summer cruise or lake trip, especially when paired with a kindness to animals conversation or a family journaling activity.
