The Girl Who Draws on Whales

by Ariela Kristantina, Will Dennis (editor), Bryan Valenza (colorist)

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels Comics

Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

This illustrator also creates works under the name Rie.

Reviews

[Kara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful art, but story is a flop

I read this book to earn a bookmark from the Kindle challenge, which required me to read a graphic novel or manga. The artwork in The Girl Who Draws on Whales is absolutely beautiful and the watercolor makes it truly stunning. The story, however, is really lacking substance. I looked back on cells multiple times because I felt like I had missed something, but it simply wasn't there. Citra as the narrator was odd as well.

[Kelvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wondrous beyond words

I can't do this amazing work justice. Nature & magic. Native cultures & pirates. Whales & supernatural creatures. The delightful concept of a girl who literally draws on (& communicates with) whales is just the start of an engrossing and beautifully illustrated story. I expected to be slightly amused by something a bit young for me. Instead, I couldn't put this down and have re-read it twice. I'll be looking to give this as a present to as many as possible.

[EvilAntie Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasure

What an incredibly talented author and illustrator. I know nothing of the genre and this started out as part of the Kindle challenge. But it’s a fascinating story it flows. It doesn’t take that long though. You probably want to read it twice.

[Becca Wohlgemuth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is far from the genre I enjoy. I read this as past of this quarters Kindle challenge. I still don’t enjoy graphic novels but the story line and art were remarkable. Definitely recommend giving it a try!

[Chris Conrad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me.

I guess I'm to old at77 to appreciate this type of reading. I wanted solid hardcover book most of my life. The story is probably great but it was hard for me to follow. The pictures are nice. I got this as part of Kindle challenge.

[ARC_AngelJessyJay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

I’m definitely not a graphic novel person, but I read this to earn my bookmark for a reading challenge. It was a cute story with friendships and family found along the way. I feel like I’m always missing something in graphic novels, but that’s definitely a “me” problem.

[Sheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graphic YA

Have been a bit trepidatious about trying to start reading graphic novels. The artistry and storyline of The Girl Who Draws on Whales was a great way to start and makes we want to continue the adventure and try a few more.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

If only the quality of the story matched illustration.

Giving a combination score for this review. Two stars for story, four stars for illustration. Net score of three stars.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

not my typical interest, but still a fun short read! I enjoyed the comic art+

[Lyssa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is beautiful and moving! I'm so glad I read it!

[Abbey Hughes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Art was incredible, story felt rushed and insubstantial

[DJ Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the whole story, the art style is also beautiful. Wonderful book 10/10

[Sneha Jaiswal · Rating 2 out of 5]

The art is dream and great. But the story quickly gets boring and borrows too heavily from things avid readers would've already read a 100 times over in different books.