Whole Whale

By Karen Yin, Nelleke Verhoeff (illustrator),

Book cover of Whole Whale

Book description

One hundred unusual animals try to squeeze into the pages of this raucous rhyming tale. But will there be room to fit a whole blue whale? The humorous ending features an expansive double gatefold and educational endnotes list the 100 animals in the book.

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Whole Whale as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

The Whole Whale is a counting book, a delightful, read-aloud rhyming book, and, at its core, it’s a book about making space for everyone, even when it might seem easier to say, “Sorry, there’s no room for you.” The other 99 animals in the book don’t hesitate to make way for their biggest friend by pushing and shoving until… voilà… they arrive at a special surprise—a double fold-out page big enough to fit all 100 different animals (Seriously! 100!). Talk about a page you and your little one can pore over again and again and find something new every time!

This is such a fabulous book about inclusiveness and making room for everyone, and the best part is that this message is hidden inside a fun, rhyming story about lots and lots of animals (one hundred, to be precise!) But don’t let that number scare you, the story is a fast and fun read, and the perfect bedtime length. Bonus? Kids will love finding all the animals and discovering the secret that helps the poor whale find space.

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