About the Book, Author and Illustrator
Deep is a beautiful picture book about a female whale and her calf. The book has stunning colourful spreads on every page that support the telling of a reassuring story about the loving bond between a mother and her child. Stephen Hogtun is the talented artist who has written and illustrated this story, published by Bloomsbury.
“Go my little one, swim free,” she whispered. “I’ll always be waiting here . . .” When a tiny whale calf is born, his mother raises him to the surface to take his first breath. She guides him as he grows, until he is strong enough to swim at her side, and they set off together on a great journey across the oceans.
One day, the time will come for the grown calf to set out on his own . . . but wherever he goes and whatever he does, his mother will be waiting for him and sending her song of love across the oceans.
Stephen Hogtun is a writer and artist who lives on the west coast of Norway with his partner, two children and several rescue animals. His house sits on the edge of a beautiful fjord, and his artwork is inspired both by the love he feels for his family and the views he sees from his window.
Book Review
My favourite page is the mummy whale and baby whale playing in the water in the moonlight with the stars around them
Theo’s opinion – I love the mummy and baby whale as they have fun like me and my mum. I like spotting them both deep under the ocean with all the fish around them and also it is fun to see them jumping out of the ocean with the birds around them.
I love all the colourful pictures and it was great to see a wildlife programme on a mother and baby whale after I read this book. My favourite page is the mummy whale and baby whale playing in the water in the moonlight with the stars around them.
Mum’s opinion – A beautiful story of a mother whale and baby whale exploring the deep ocean. They have great adventures together and experience danger along the way. The book explores different emotions too as the mother whale sets the baby whale free as he grows up towards the end of the book but reminds him ‘I’ll always be waiting here.’
The story is relatable as all our little ones soon grow up and we have to let them go and become independent. The pictures are so wonderfully illustrated and capture the magical adventure of the mother whale and baby whale together.
If you would would like to buy a copy of the book we invite you to order it from your local independent book shop.
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Alternatively, we suggest that you visit your local library and request to borrow a copy from a friendly librarian.
Whichever you choose we hope you enjoy being part of your unique reading community – happy reading everyone!
Reviewer Profile
- Name: Theo
- Age: 4 years
- Likes: ice-cream, swimming and Tiger (cuddly toy)
- Dislikes: being dirty
- Favourite Book: Dogs in Disguise by Peter Bently
- Favourite TV Show: Hey Duggee
- Favourite Song: Sleeping Bunnies
