What do you think?
Rate this book
52: A Tale of Loneliness
Winner – Best Children’s Picture Book (7 & Under)
2021, Independent Publisher Book Awards
Far beneath the beautiful sea, a unique whale sings a song that is all his own. But, there is just one small problem… no other whale can hear him sing!
Inspired by the incredible true story of the 52 Hz whale, this lyrical tale of self-acceptance and individuality will delight readers of all ages. Told in short, poetic passages, this whale, simply known as 52, celebrates the joy he's found beneath the ocean waves. Yet, despite his hardship, 52 remains optimistic, introducing readers to the magic and beauty of his own invisible world.
"Like that! The sunlight trickles down,
on bubbles rising from the ground.
Or here! The way the water swirled.
There's so much beauty in this world."
Spark conversations of empathy, joy, and self-acceptance, in what critics are calling; “Poignant,” “Original,” “A beautiful tale for all ages.” and “A joy to read!”
Link included for a downloadable companion audiobook, read by Patton Oswalt
2021, Independent Publisher Book Awards
Far beneath the beautiful sea, a unique whale sings a song that is all his own. But, there is just one small problem… no other whale can hear him sing!
Inspired by the incredible true story of the 52 Hz whale, this lyrical tale of self-acceptance and individuality will delight readers of all ages. Told in short, poetic passages, this whale, simply known as 52, celebrates the joy he's found beneath the ocean waves. Yet, despite his hardship, 52 remains optimistic, introducing readers to the magic and beauty of his own invisible world.
"Like that! The sunlight trickles down,
on bubbles rising from the ground.
Or here! The way the water swirled.
There's so much beauty in this world."
Spark conversations of empathy, joy, and self-acceptance, in what critics are calling; “Poignant,” “Original,” “A beautiful tale for all ages.” and “A joy to read!”
Link included for a downloadable companion audiobook, read by Patton Oswalt
- GenresAnimalsPicture Books
58 pages, Hardcover
Published January 31, 2021
12 people are currently reading
2077 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 28, 2021
Cute story about a whale
52- A Tale of Loneliness by Johnny deal ma is a story in verse about a whale named 52. The travels and adventures that 52 takes but although he is happy he is also lonely.
52- A Tale of Loneliness by Johnny deal ma is a story in verse about a whale named 52. The travels and adventures that 52 takes but although he is happy he is also lonely.
October 11, 2024
The illustrator, Kyle Brown is a local to my area and our library highlighted his book. It is a beautiful picture book that tells the story of a whale whose voice is different. This whale is known as the 52 HZ whale. I did some research online and learned, this whale's vocals are probably too high for most whales to hear and too low for most humans to hear. Some scientist theorize that other whales can hear 52 but not understand him.
The words are lyrical, the pictures stunning and the story highlights the lows and highs of a lonely existence.
You can listen to this book online here: https://umbrellybooks.com/52tale/
The words are lyrical, the pictures stunning and the story highlights the lows and highs of a lonely existence.
You can listen to this book online here: https://umbrellybooks.com/52tale/
February 17, 2021
Wow! The artwork in this beautiful new picture book blew me away! Don't miss this touching and lyrical tale inspired by the true story of the 52Hz whale.
52 lives far beneath the sea and sings of his loneliness while sharing the beauty of his world. This one is sure to tug at your heartstrings while encouraging us all to pay more attention to the things in our lives that can't demand it on their own.
52 lives far beneath the sea and sings of his loneliness while sharing the beauty of his world. This one is sure to tug at your heartstrings while encouraging us all to pay more attention to the things in our lives that can't demand it on their own.
March 26, 2021
Fun Story
This is really a fun and creative story. The only draw back is the kindle format. The way it is makes it kinda hard and uncomfortable to read but I found a way.
The poetic narrative is sweet to read but it is a sad story. I was expecting a different ending but albeit a good read.
This is really a fun and creative story. The only draw back is the kindle format. The way it is makes it kinda hard and uncomfortable to read but I found a way.
The poetic narrative is sweet to read but it is a sad story. I was expecting a different ending but albeit a good read.
April 3, 2021
52 A Tale of Loneliness – Johnny DePalma – This is on Kindle Unlimited. A whale may be the biggest thing I’ve ever wanted to wrap in bubble wrap and keep safe in my closet. Cute book that tells the story of the lonely whale that sings at the wrong frequency to join a pod told from the whale’s pov! Happy Reading!
June 2, 2024
This beautifully illustrated children's book follows the journey of a lonely whale, exploring themes of emotions, loneliness, and finding joy in life. The artwork vividly brings the whale's story to life, making it an engaging read.
However, the book's length might be a challenge, so it's best suited for patient young readers.
However, the book's length might be a challenge, so it's best suited for patient young readers.
February 28, 2021
Short and sweet
Just a short sweet book about appreciating the lesser seen beauty in your world told by the perspective of an outcast whale. The artwork is beautiful and the verses are lyrical. This book feels like a little hidden gem.
Just a short sweet book about appreciating the lesser seen beauty in your world told by the perspective of an outcast whale. The artwork is beautiful and the verses are lyrical. This book feels like a little hidden gem.
March 20, 2021
Cute
Very nice and warm Illustrations . This book tells
The story of a lonely blue whale. It is important to deliver such messages to children with such simple and engaging way. Way to go ! Highly recommended
Very nice and warm Illustrations . This book tells
The story of a lonely blue whale. It is important to deliver such messages to children with such simple and engaging way. Way to go ! Highly recommended
April 15, 2021
The illustrations are at a level of five, especially for the eyes and colours.
This is a very sweet book.
Life has disappointments, and kids know this whether we tell them or not. If we tell them, they tend to do better.
This is a very sweet book.
Life has disappointments, and kids know this whether we tell them or not. If we tell them, they tend to do better.
April 18, 2021
Endearing tale about a lonely giant
This is a very sweet story told in lyrical rhymes about the true story of a whale who can’t sing. Poignant and hopeful, the whale finds things that give him happiness regardless.
This is a very sweet story told in lyrical rhymes about the true story of a whale who can’t sing. Poignant and hopeful, the whale finds things that give him happiness regardless.
May 8, 2021
Cute tale of a lonely whale - I will admit, it got my emotions rolling... But that is just why I had to give it 5 stars. Any book that elicits emotion from me just shows how beautiful the writing and illustrations really are.
February 16, 2021
Amazing message and beautiful Illustrations!
Love the illustrations and message behind this amazing story! Whale 52 is a character we can all relate to at times! Beautiful!
Love the illustrations and message behind this amazing story! Whale 52 is a character we can all relate to at times! Beautiful!
February 25, 2021
Highly Recommend!!!
What a perfect book to teach both kids and adults to find joy in whatever situation they find themselves in. Beautiful words and illustrations!
What a perfect book to teach both kids and adults to find joy in whatever situation they find themselves in. Beautiful words and illustrations!
February 26, 2021
Sweet
This is a sweet tale about being different. It can cause loneliness but you can still be happy with yourself. Nice message.
This is a sweet tale about being different. It can cause loneliness but you can still be happy with yourself. Nice message.
March 1, 2021
Wonderful
What a great book! The illustrations are wonderful and the story was very interesting! The Whales outlook on his life is very endearing!
What a great book! The illustrations are wonderful and the story was very interesting! The Whales outlook on his life is very endearing!
March 12, 2021
Uncertain
The story is a little heavy for younger ones but the illustrations are gorgeous. The story might appeal to older readers who still prefer pictures to a lot of words.
The story is a little heavy for younger ones but the illustrations are gorgeous. The story might appeal to older readers who still prefer pictures to a lot of words.
July 30, 2021
Hoping for follow-up
Loved the poetry snd the illustrations. This tale of a lonely whale was very touching. I think children will love it.
Loved the poetry snd the illustrations. This tale of a lonely whale was very touching. I think children will love it.
January 8, 2026
Read this with my son. He has a hard time making friends but he has a wild imagination and notices things others do not. I thought this was the perfect book for him. He really liked it.
March 12, 2021
The lonely whale’s tale
Based on a true story, this book explores the solitary life of 52, a whale who calls at a very unique 52 hertz (average whale calls between 10-39hz). The story shares ways the whale finds their happiness and acceptance of their different voice. The oceanic illustrations are beautiful and inviting.
Based on a true story, this book explores the solitary life of 52, a whale who calls at a very unique 52 hertz (average whale calls between 10-39hz). The story shares ways the whale finds their happiness and acceptance of their different voice. The oceanic illustrations are beautiful and inviting.
July 13, 2021
This is a lovely children's book. I love the message. 52 is so inspiring. The idea of loneliness is a big concept done so well here. I love the art. There is nothing but praise for this one. Have to say that reading this was a great thing. I recommend this for young kids, in general. The reading is not too high or complicated. I would think it would be for kids 5-8. Such a great little book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews