Big Blue

by Shelley Gill

Kye knows everything there is to know about whales, and dreams of swimming with a blue whale. When she travels to Mexico with her mother, Kye is closer to her goal than ever. Will her wish of swimming with Big Blue come true?

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Alaskan author Shelley Gill lives in Homer, Alaska at the end of the road in North America. Her books reflect her life: racing in the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, doing humpback research in Prince William Sound and working as a naturalist in various habitats: Alaska, Antarctica and Hawaii. Her current project, Whale Detective, follows her own research into the community life of humpbacks in Alaska. Her APP What's Up With Whales is in the App Store and looks at the new science about whales around the world. And in February her first board book: If I Were A Whale will be released by Sasquatch Books. She has visited 4800 schools around the world inspiring students to be avid readers and great writers. Her autobiography, Gabe-a girl, her dog and the 1970's, was released in the fall 2016.

Reviews

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Blue is based on true events that happened to author, Shelley Gill, and her daughter, Kye. Kye was an expert on whales and spent time learning and dreaming about them. One day when Kye was almost nine she told her mom that she didn't want stuff anymore, she wanted experiences. What she wanted most of all was to swim with a blue whale. The water in their home state of Alaska was too cold, so Kye suggested Mexico. Since Shelley worked driving a boat for marine biologists, she said she'd see if it could be arranged. Before long, they're in Mexico and it looks like there's a chance for dreams to come true. But will a whale present itself to them? Even if one does, will they really be able to swim with it? Go on an adventure with Shelley and Kye and you'll start thinking of all the experiences you'd like to have!

I recommend this book to those who love learning. I came away knowing a lot more than I did when I started reading. Also, people who like adventures will enjoy taking this book journey. Anyone who wants to hear an amazing presentation should have Shelley Gill come to their school. You will not be disappointed! The kids at my school are still talking about her!

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A young whale lover experiences her ultimate dream when she encounters a massive blue whale while swimming.
This book contains multiple fascinating facts about the blue whale, but the manner in which they're shoehorned into the text is a little awkward.

[Emily Farquhar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kye dream has always been to swim with a blue whale. When she travels to Mexico her dream is closer than ever and she sees her wish flash in front of her eyes. This book is a great demonstration of voice through unique characters.

F&P: M
AR:2.9

Six Traits:
Organization, Voice

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun book for toddlers who love whales

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

ATOS 4.1

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting. But this picture book is an uneven mix of fiction and nonfiction. With big chunks of facts shoehorned in to the story.

[Erin Buhr · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I am being honest, I picked this book off the shelf at the library for me. The cover is graced with an enormous blue whale impressively dominating the page with a tiny girl swimming in the corner. It is beautiful and curious at the same time. Fortunately, my almost four year old agreed with my assessment and we have since read this book cover to cover countless times. It tells the remarkable true story of a little girl named Kye who is determined to swim with a blue whale. Her mother, who drives a whale-research boat in Alaska, helps her make her dream come true. This book is equal parts informative and inspiring. The little girl shares the vast quantities of information she has amassed about blue whales with the reader. Mostly, it is an inspiring story about following your passions and waiting patiently for a magical moment to come true.

[Rahaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE sky is the limit
there is no Impossible in the live

[Lindsey Lubker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is. Very educational book about a girl who wants to be in the water with the oceans largest mammal. It is her dream!