About the Book, Author and Illustrator
Fans of The Last Bear have been eagerly awaiting another animal adventure by Hannah Gold, whose writing has the capacity to empower her young characters, and in doing so, her readers.
The Lost Whale is another story with a subtle animal conservation / environmental message that will resonate and be applauded by an eco-conscious generation.
Anyone who understands the connection that is possible between a human and wild creature, or who appreciates Nature will love this timeless book – however old they are.
Thanks to Harper Collins for sending us for proof for Holly to enjoy reviewing.
Hannah Gold is the bestselling author of The Last Bear, another story about a connection between a child and an animal that is also illustrated by Levi Pinfold and published by Harper Collins. It was the biggest selling hardback debut in 2021 as well as the winner of the Blue Peter Book Awards 2022. It is currently shortlisted for the British Book Awards – Children’s Book of the Year 2022 and is shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2022.
Levi Pinfold‘s love of stories, painting and the work of illustrators such as Maurice Sendak, Alan Lee and Dave McKean led him to study Illustration at the University College Falmouth, where he developed narrative illustrations in his own style; a stylised realism. He is the winner of the Kate Greenaway Medal and illustrator of Harry Potter 20th anniversary edition covers.
Book Review
Whenever I put the book down it definitely was not willingly, and I always wanted to pick it right back up and read more!
This is a book about a boy called Rio whose Mum is not very well. He has to move to California to live with his grandmother. She tries hard to make him feel at home, but she does not know her grandson very well and at the beginning he feels far away from everything that is familiar to him.
When he makes a friend he starts to find California an exciting place and wants to stay. With his friend he meets White Beak, a whale, whom his mother had known when she was a child. Leo and White Beak form a connection that helps him to feel closer to his absent mother.
The story turns into an adventure when Rio and his friend, together with his grandmother and his friend’s Dad set out to rescue the largest creature in the oceans.
I loved this book, it was a great adventure story and it had a realistic twist as well. The description is beautiful and there is exactly the right amount of it.
The illustrations by Levi Pinfold seemed so real. I couldn’t stop staring at them because I felt like they could start moving any minute they were so life-like.
Whenever I put the book down it definitely was not willingly, and I always wanted to pick it right back up and read more!
I recommend this book to 8-12 year olds, and anyone who loves the ocean and its mysteries. I think it has everything a brilliant book needs!
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Reviewer Profile
- Name: Holly
- Age: 11 years
- Likes: hockey, running and skiing
- Dislikes: maths and broccoli
- Favourite Book: We Are the Beaker Girls by Jacqueline Wilson
- Favourite Film: Descendants
- Favourite Song: Bad Girlfriend by Anne-Marie
