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The Boy Who Met a Whale
From the author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant comes another brilliant escapade. A thrilling adventure set in fictional Sri Lanka, jam-packed with peril and kidnap and a huge blue whale!
Razi, a local fisherboy, is watching turtle eggs hatch when he sees a boat bobbing into view. With a chill, he notices a small, still hand hanging over the side… Inside is Zheng, who’s escaped a shipwreck and is full of tales of sea monsters and missing treasure. But the villains who are after Zheng are soon after Razi and his sister, Shifa, too. And so begins an exhilarating adventure in the shadow of the biggest sea monster of them all…
Razi, a local fisherboy, is watching turtle eggs hatch when he sees a boat bobbing into view. With a chill, he notices a small, still hand hanging over the side… Inside is Zheng, who’s escaped a shipwreck and is full of tales of sea monsters and missing treasure. But the villains who are after Zheng are soon after Razi and his sister, Shifa, too. And so begins an exhilarating adventure in the shadow of the biggest sea monster of them all…
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 14, 2021
30 people are currently reading
2798 people want to read
About the author
Nizrana Farook
10 books122 followersNizrana Farook was born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the beautiful landscapes of her home country find their way into the stories she writes. She has a master’s degree in writing for young people, and lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and two daughters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
January 15, 2022
"Nobody would care. Nobody would care if he died.
Except, on a little islet somewhere in the same ocean, were two children who did care."
Love the book so much.
I love the main characters, Razi and Zheng. One of the best bromance in middle grade books. They and Shifa, Razi's sister, are the most lively characters in the story.
I really don't like some of the abusive and problematic adult characters in this book.
I read the author's first book just before I picked up this one and I'm quite impressed with the overall improvement with the writing, the characters and their development, the plot and the events that are happening. Much, much, much better I'd say!
And y'all, we have a treasure map! And the plot deals with the young characters going for a quest using this map. Everyone's fighting for it.
And the adventure follows!
I had such a good time reading this one.
And wow. The whale. Keep holding your breath. It's amazing! And expect another animal to make a difference towards the later half of the story.
There's so much emotion hidden in the writing. I was just overwhelmed while reading this book from time to time.
The story is so positive inspite of the angry, bad adult villians. But also there are a few adult characters which stand for kindness.
The story becomes so much better with each passing page. Thoroughly enjoyable I'd say.
There are some parts with reference to the first book by the author. But this is not a series. Read this one.
My favourite from the author so far and I am looking forward to read the next book as soon as it's announced!
Except, on a little islet somewhere in the same ocean, were two children who did care."
Love the book so much.
I love the main characters, Razi and Zheng. One of the best bromance in middle grade books. They and Shifa, Razi's sister, are the most lively characters in the story.
I really don't like some of the abusive and problematic adult characters in this book.
I read the author's first book just before I picked up this one and I'm quite impressed with the overall improvement with the writing, the characters and their development, the plot and the events that are happening. Much, much, much better I'd say!
And y'all, we have a treasure map! And the plot deals with the young characters going for a quest using this map. Everyone's fighting for it.
And the adventure follows!
I had such a good time reading this one.
And wow. The whale. Keep holding your breath. It's amazing! And expect another animal to make a difference towards the later half of the story.
There's so much emotion hidden in the writing. I was just overwhelmed while reading this book from time to time.
The story is so positive inspite of the angry, bad adult villians. But also there are a few adult characters which stand for kindness.
The story becomes so much better with each passing page. Thoroughly enjoyable I'd say.
There are some parts with reference to the first book by the author. But this is not a series. Read this one.
My favourite from the author so far and I am looking forward to read the next book as soon as it's announced!
April 14, 2021
Ohhh I loved this book! It is SUCH an exciting and fun MG adventure full of sea "monsters", piracy, stolen daggers, friendship, and adventure with a fantastically vivid ocean setting. There wasn't any actual magic, per se, but the sea creatures in this book are depicted so beautifully, their scenes really do feel magical - and I loved the three main characters so much. It's rare to find an adventure so full of heart as well as action. I raced through this but also savored every word! Highly, highly recommended, and I am now planning to steal my older son's copy of Farook's first book (The Girl who Stole An Elephant) so that I can enjoy that one too. :)
June 9, 2022
This was such a thrilling & atmospheric story, as well as heartwarming! Razi, a local fisherboy, is watching turtle eggs hatch when he sees a boat bobbing into view. With a chill, he notices a small, still hand hanging over the side.
Inside is Zheng, who’s escaped a shipwreck & is full of tales of sea monsters & missing treasure. But the villains who are after Zheng are soon after Razi & his sister, Shifa, too. And so begins an exhilarating escapade in the shadow of the biggest sea monster of them all. I love the ocean, so the vivid details the author gives made me feel like I was on the sea with these kids. Loved that. The characters are so endearing, & you root for them to succeed the whole way. The bad guys are truly awful, & I was on the edge of my seat many times. The whale aspect wasn’t what I was expecting-& I LOVED their part in the story. So beautiful, & my heart was so full! The dynamic between the 3 kids was so well done, & I loved the brother sister relationship, & also the friendship that developed between the 3 kids as a group. They made an amazing team, & helped each other in so many ways. Grief/loss is a them in here, & I thought it was handled so well. Razi had amazing character growth/development. The ending was amazing, & so book hug worthy. Really enjoyed this, had the best time! This is out now. Beautiful cover by the amazing David Dean as well!💜
Inside is Zheng, who’s escaped a shipwreck & is full of tales of sea monsters & missing treasure. But the villains who are after Zheng are soon after Razi & his sister, Shifa, too. And so begins an exhilarating escapade in the shadow of the biggest sea monster of them all. I love the ocean, so the vivid details the author gives made me feel like I was on the sea with these kids. Loved that. The characters are so endearing, & you root for them to succeed the whole way. The bad guys are truly awful, & I was on the edge of my seat many times. The whale aspect wasn’t what I was expecting-& I LOVED their part in the story. So beautiful, & my heart was so full! The dynamic between the 3 kids was so well done, & I loved the brother sister relationship, & also the friendship that developed between the 3 kids as a group. They made an amazing team, & helped each other in so many ways. Grief/loss is a them in here, & I thought it was handled so well. Razi had amazing character growth/development. The ending was amazing, & so book hug worthy. Really enjoyed this, had the best time! This is out now. Beautiful cover by the amazing David Dean as well!💜
May 1, 2022
A Sri Lankan fisherboy is swept up in a thrilling seafaring adventure, complete with a kidnapping, missing treasure, and a huge blue whale!
January 19, 2022
I came across this book, The Boy who Met a Whale by Nizrana Farook, somewhere online, but I'm not even sure where it popped up on my radar. Anyway, I ordered it a while back and had it sitting on my shelf. Deciding I wanted a quick, middle grade read to curl up with this weekend, I pulled it off the shelf. I was quickly drawn right into the story and didn't want to put it down. This type of book right here is why I love middle grade books. The story was full of thrilling adventure and great characters along with a fantastic setting on the little island of Serendib. The fictionalized Sri Lankan setting is just perfect and I love the connection the characters have to the island, the ocean, and the animals around them. It was really just a perfect read. So much so that I plan to read it aloud to my youngers kids very soon. This was my first book by Nizrana Farook, but it won't be my last. In fact, I quickly ordered her first book, The Girl Who Stole an Elephant, before I even finished this one because I can't wait to get back into this world she created.
December 22, 2020
I was v fortunate to get an ARC of this book and I read it in one sitting (at 2am)
I cannot emphasise how masterful Farook is with words. Her sentences, her language...it's all just a bit magic. Add to that the absolutely GORGEOUS cover designed by David Dean, and this whole book is PERFECT.
The Boy Who Met A Whale features not only the most beautiful settings and vivid description, but also the most heart racing action scenes, constant drama and peril, and also another cast of amazing characters. I raced through the pages, desperate to make sure they were going to be okay!
I think the characters are what I loved most - a group of three, again, but they all have such wildly different personalities that both work together, and allow for some great banter. I honestly loved the relationship between Razi, Shifa, and Zheng.
I cannot wait for everyone to read this book in January!
I cannot emphasise how masterful Farook is with words. Her sentences, her language...it's all just a bit magic. Add to that the absolutely GORGEOUS cover designed by David Dean, and this whole book is PERFECT.
The Boy Who Met A Whale features not only the most beautiful settings and vivid description, but also the most heart racing action scenes, constant drama and peril, and also another cast of amazing characters. I raced through the pages, desperate to make sure they were going to be okay!
I think the characters are what I loved most - a group of three, again, but they all have such wildly different personalities that both work together, and allow for some great banter. I honestly loved the relationship between Razi, Shifa, and Zheng.
I cannot wait for everyone to read this book in January!
June 2, 2021
Simply heart-warming.
May 23, 2021
This was a lovely book that I likely would have enjoyed as a child. Unfortunately I just couldn’t stay focused on the storyline as an adult.
October 29, 2025
leuk boek om voor te lezen. Staan wel wat lastige woorden in zonder uitleg.
February 7, 2021
Another fantastic adventure from Farook! I was gripped from the first chapter, with excitement from the beginning and then carrying on throughout. A book of friendship and overcoming what holds you back. Nice short chapters, making it ideal to read in short bursts with children!
October 22, 2022
De jongen die met een walvis zwom van Nizrana Farook is het eerste boek dat ik van deze auteur ga lezen. Eerder verscheen van haar hand al Het meisje dat op een olifant ontsnapte. Dat boek heb ik helaas nog niet gelezen, maar staat zeker nog op mijn TBR-lijstje! Beide boeken zijn geschikt voor kinderen vanaf ongeveer 10 jaar. De cover van De jongen die met een walvis zwom spreekt direct heel erg aan en zit vol met details. Elke keer als je ernaar kijkt zie je iets nieuws. Daarnaast maakt de synopsis heel erg nieuwsgierig naar het verhaal en krijg ik een beetje Het raadsel van de zee-vibes (dat vond ik een heerlijk boek)!
Nizrana Farook laat De jongen die met een walvis zwom eigenlijk meteen spannend beginnen. Vanaf de allereerste bladzijde word je meteen het verhaal van Razi, Zheng en Shifa ingetrokken. Nadat Razi Zheng heeft gevonden op het strand vertelt Zheng allemaal spannende verhalen aan Razi en hij wordt natuurlijk achtervolgd door een stelletje slechteriken. Ook is er nog een schat die gevonden moet worden! Met al deze elementen zorgt Nizrana Farook dat je door wilt blijven lezen in De jongen die met een walvis zwom. Want hoe zit alles in elkaar? Kan Razi erop vertrouwen dat Zheng de waarheid spreekt? En ligt er echt een schat verborgen op het eiland?
Nizrana Farook heeft een prettige, beeldende, meeslepende en verslavende schrijfstijl. De jongen die met een walvis zwom komt door de vele details mooi tot leven en voert je mee naar een eiland hier ver vandaan. Het verhaal leest gemakkelijk weg voor kinderen vanaf ongeveer 10 jaar door de korte zinnen en het simpele, maar toch sprookjesachtige taalgebruik van Nizrana Farook. Het is niet te voorspellen waar het verhaal precies heengaat en het weet je constant te verrassen. Daarnaast is de opmaak van De jongen die met een walvis zwom prachtig! Ook vind je aan het begin een landkaart van het eiland Serenib, heel handig als je iets visueler bent ingesteld. Een echte toevoeging dus!
Kortom, De jongen die met een walvis zwom van Nizrana Farook is een echte toevoeging aan de boekenkast. Het is een aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van spannende avonturen en prachtige verhalen. Op sprookjesachtige wijze neemt Nizrana Farook je mee naar het eiland Serenib waar je kennis maakt met Razi, Zheng en Shafi. Drie hele leuke en interessante personages! Het verhaal in De jongen die met een walvis zwom komt goed tot leven door de vele details die worden gebruikt. Toch wordt het nergens saai, omdat er genoeg mysteries zijn om te ontrafelen.
Nizrana Farook laat De jongen die met een walvis zwom eigenlijk meteen spannend beginnen. Vanaf de allereerste bladzijde word je meteen het verhaal van Razi, Zheng en Shifa ingetrokken. Nadat Razi Zheng heeft gevonden op het strand vertelt Zheng allemaal spannende verhalen aan Razi en hij wordt natuurlijk achtervolgd door een stelletje slechteriken. Ook is er nog een schat die gevonden moet worden! Met al deze elementen zorgt Nizrana Farook dat je door wilt blijven lezen in De jongen die met een walvis zwom. Want hoe zit alles in elkaar? Kan Razi erop vertrouwen dat Zheng de waarheid spreekt? En ligt er echt een schat verborgen op het eiland?
Nizrana Farook heeft een prettige, beeldende, meeslepende en verslavende schrijfstijl. De jongen die met een walvis zwom komt door de vele details mooi tot leven en voert je mee naar een eiland hier ver vandaan. Het verhaal leest gemakkelijk weg voor kinderen vanaf ongeveer 10 jaar door de korte zinnen en het simpele, maar toch sprookjesachtige taalgebruik van Nizrana Farook. Het is niet te voorspellen waar het verhaal precies heengaat en het weet je constant te verrassen. Daarnaast is de opmaak van De jongen die met een walvis zwom prachtig! Ook vind je aan het begin een landkaart van het eiland Serenib, heel handig als je iets visueler bent ingesteld. Een echte toevoeging dus!
Kortom, De jongen die met een walvis zwom van Nizrana Farook is een echte toevoeging aan de boekenkast. Het is een aanrader voor iedereen die houdt van spannende avonturen en prachtige verhalen. Op sprookjesachtige wijze neemt Nizrana Farook je mee naar het eiland Serenib waar je kennis maakt met Razi, Zheng en Shafi. Drie hele leuke en interessante personages! Het verhaal in De jongen die met een walvis zwom komt goed tot leven door de vele details die worden gebruikt. Toch wordt het nergens saai, omdat er genoeg mysteries zijn om te ontrafelen.
January 30, 2022
The Boy Who Met A Whale follows the adventure of three children on a quest to reclaim a stolen artifact with the help of a treasure map 🏴☠️🗺️📌 But people want this treasure badly and would do anything to have it... Will the children find it before they do and survive?
It's fast-paced, action-packed that kids would love. Packed with adventure, "sea monsters", pirates, and friendship partnered with vivid setting descriptions. The main characters are likable, their dynamics are great, and some of their banters are funny.
Thanks to Peachtree Publishing Company for the DRC. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
It's fast-paced, action-packed that kids would love. Packed with adventure, "sea monsters", pirates, and friendship partnered with vivid setting descriptions. The main characters are likable, their dynamics are great, and some of their banters are funny.
Thanks to Peachtree Publishing Company for the DRC. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
January 6, 2021
This is an incredibly pacey, punchy story, with real thrills and great jokes and atmosphere, and a true love of the natural world. It sweeps you up in adventure from the first line and doesn't let up until the final page. Highly recommended, a wonderful adventure that simultaneously echoes the old classics while reinventing the genre with humour and vivacity.
June 19, 2022
This book. There are so many awesome things here. The adventure. Friendship. Siblings. A boy still grieving over his dad's death. Scary pirates. It all works together to create an amazing story that's so beautifully written.
The only part I wish was different is that I wish there had been more scenes with Maalu the whale. She plays an important role, but I guess I wanted more opportunity for Zheng, Shifa, and Razi to spend time with her.
I still enjoyed reading the story so much, and I loved a lot of things about it. The way they worked together to decode the treasure map. All their plans to outsmart the men chasing them. The way the three of them bonded and became close friends.
I really want to read more by Nizrana Farook, so I can't wait to check out her other book.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The only part I wish was different is that I wish there had been more scenes with Maalu the whale. She plays an important role, but I guess I wanted more opportunity for Zheng, Shifa, and Razi to spend time with her.
I still enjoyed reading the story so much, and I loved a lot of things about it. The way they worked together to decode the treasure map. All their plans to outsmart the men chasing them. The way the three of them bonded and became close friends.
I really want to read more by Nizrana Farook, so I can't wait to check out her other book.
Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 7, 2023
Wow! A very detailed book! Maalu, am amazing, friendly whale!
Ravi almost got eaten by her tho.. he was in the mouth of the whale just before being spitted out…
The dagger of Serinderib wow :) The antique that cost a fortune returned by 3 eager children.
Razi
Shifa
Zheng
And the 2 misfortunes
Cook
Marco
I can’t believe it leaves me stunt to know that a member of the ship a crew, a pirate! Would they really betray their captain poisoning them leaving them to d i e in as s t o r m
It really hurts to know that Zheng had to suffer through all these losses… I do hope now they all have another adventure ahead and on the islet of d a n g e r s….
I love this book! <3
Ravi almost got eaten by her tho.. he was in the mouth of the whale just before being spitted out…
The dagger of Serinderib wow :) The antique that cost a fortune returned by 3 eager children.
Razi
Shifa
Zheng
And the 2 misfortunes
Cook
Marco
I can’t believe it leaves me stunt to know that a member of the ship a crew, a pirate! Would they really betray their captain poisoning them leaving them to d i e in as s t o r m
It really hurts to know that Zheng had to suffer through all these losses… I do hope now they all have another adventure ahead and on the islet of d a n g e r s….
I love this book! <3
April 7, 2023
Oooh my favourite one by this author yet! Officially gained an auto-buy author!
It's always daunting when you read an authors backlist and then get to their recent release. What if it sucks? What if it ruins the author? I had no need to be concerned. Farook took her tales of childhood whimsy and nature and added the threat of DROWNING (basically like Avatar 2) and made it AWESOME!
Best characters, best plot, best animal, best villain. Read in one sitting and no regrets.
It's always daunting when you read an authors backlist and then get to their recent release. What if it sucks? What if it ruins the author? I had no need to be concerned. Farook took her tales of childhood whimsy and nature and added the threat of DROWNING (basically like Avatar 2) and made it AWESOME!
Best characters, best plot, best animal, best villain. Read in one sitting and no regrets.
September 8, 2021
Not as well plotted as The Girl Who Stole an Elephant. The main characters spend the majority of the book running away from Marco and Cook and then being found again, which doesn't make for very exciting reading.
Read
December 5, 2022An adventurous middle grade read complete with a treasure chest and lots of action. I don’t recall reading a novel by a Sri Lankan writer so I enjoyed exploring the land inspired by her country.
February 18, 2022
This was a very enjoyable read with depth, fun, adventure, and family/friends bonds. This was a story about Razi, a local fisherboy, who's enjoying nature while watching turtles hatching on the beach when a boat comes up on shore and he finds another boy, Zheng who escaped from a shipwreck. Zheng asks for help from Razi to find the missing treasure and has to hide from the bad guys who are also after the treasure and after Zheng too. Razi enlists his sister, Shifa, who is also a healer/healer in training to try to figure out what to do and how to help Zheng.
Razi is hesitant at first to help Zheng go on a boat and chart the waters to the destination for the treasure because of his fear or perhaps being uncomfortable and upset with the water because of his grief with the recent death of his father, but soon enough he decides he has to help Razi and the three of them set off. They go off to find the treasure and along the way run into the whale(s) and it's an incredible part in the story with that aspect of nature and animals with the whale. It's also very touching, sometimes emotional, exciting, and a fantastic story. If you haven't read it, go read it now! Thanks so much to Edelweiss and Peachtree Publishing Company for the chance to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Razi is hesitant at first to help Zheng go on a boat and chart the waters to the destination for the treasure because of his fear or perhaps being uncomfortable and upset with the water because of his grief with the recent death of his father, but soon enough he decides he has to help Razi and the three of them set off. They go off to find the treasure and along the way run into the whale(s) and it's an incredible part in the story with that aspect of nature and animals with the whale. It's also very touching, sometimes emotional, exciting, and a fantastic story. If you haven't read it, go read it now! Thanks so much to Edelweiss and Peachtree Publishing Company for the chance to read and review this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 5, 2021
I couldn't wait to read this book after reading her first book and loving it. I had it pre-ordered and when I started I couldn't put it down.
It's another exciting adventure story based around a group of 3 children. They each being a different bit of personality to the read.
It's fast paced and I think it would be great to read aloud to a class.
It's another exciting adventure story based around a group of 3 children. They each being a different bit of personality to the read.
It's fast paced and I think it would be great to read aloud to a class.
February 2, 2021
With its short chapters and relentlessly paced plot, this gripping caper was just the escape I needed during lockdown. Nizrana Farook not only brings the setting to life beautifully but uses it to her full advantage to add to the suspense and atmosphere of the text. A real page-turner that will appeal to adventure lovers 8+
October 25, 2024
Dit deel vond ik iets minder tof dat die over de Beer en de panter.
Maar wel leuk om te lezen.
Maar wel leuk om te lezen.
May 21, 2021
A fast paced book filled with danger, villains and adventure!
February 12, 2022
Lol, I must stop judging a book by its cover.
I was given a book voucher to spend.
I just went with titles that sounded cool.
I thought this would maybe be like "the boy in striped pyjamas" or some other "indie" book..
but this was simply a child's book.
basic writing
basic plot
childish adventure story.
I was given a book voucher to spend.
I just went with titles that sounded cool.
I thought this would maybe be like "the boy in striped pyjamas" or some other "indie" book..
but this was simply a child's book.
basic writing
basic plot
childish adventure story.
January 1, 2023
You can read my full review at my blog, The Bookwyrm's Den, here.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
I had heard so much about The Girl Who Stole an Elephant and hadn’t read it yet, so I thought the release of its accompanying novel would be a perfect excuse! I read the books back-to-back, though that wasn’t necessary. Both stand on their own just fine (though there are some Easter eggs from the first book in this one). Still, this was a quick, enjoyable read, and it didn’t disappoint!
The Boy Who Met a Whale is a fast-paced middle grade adventure set in Sri Lanka, where a young fisherboy has to overcome his fear and guilt to help the mysterious boy who washed up on his shore.
I’m going to give this book four stars myself, but . . . what even are stars? Pffft. I’m an adult and have adult issues with this book . The target audience, though? I think this would easily be a five-star read for middle grade readers, and one I definitely plan on recommending to young patrons!
My Thoughts
- Razi makes for a really interesting protagonist, with worries I think readers of any age will easily relate to. Most prominently, Razi lost his father several months ago, and he hasn’t quite processed his grief. Despite being a fisherboy, Razi is afraid to go out on the water. He cares very much for his mother and sister, and feels he should be doing something to support them, but he can’t quite bring himself to get back on the ocean after losing his father to it. Oh, and then there’s the matter of him stumbling on this mysterious boy named Zheng who washed ashore claiming that the boat he was working on sank. Moreover, there are two men after him who are more than a little violent and seem like they’ll stop at nothing to get what they want. Razi has a choice between doing the safe thing or the right thing, even if it means putting himself in danger. Thankfully for us, he chooses one that leads to adventure!
- Zheng himself is not only mysterious (a little less so to the reader, who meets him in the prologue) with a lot of unbelievable stories to tell. I like to believe that’s part of his charm. It’s hard to be able to tell whether they’re all 100% true or not, but they’re at least in the realm of possibility. What’s more, the reader will likely want to believe them because they’re just plain fun. For all his adventures, though, the one thing Zheng never really had was any friends. He worked with a crew, sure, but that’s not really the same as having steady friends. Especially not ones his age. While Ravi is working on going on his first adventure, Zheng’s journey is of a different nature: friendship.
- The narrative about friendship and family bonds is a touching one that’s sure to worm its way into readers’ hearts. Ravi and Shifa already have a connection, of course, being siblings. They don’t always see eye-to-eye, though. Shifa is much more rational and strategic, where Ravi is more emotional and intrigued by the wonders of nature. Throw Zheng into the mix, with his penchant for adventure, and it’s easy to see how a budding friendship might develop. There’s no doubt that the adventure and action is the main headliner in this book, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of other things to love! The friendship here is definitely one of the highlights of this book.
- Readers, especially reluctant readers, will appreciate how filled with action this book is! The plot carries right along, quickly hooking readers with a betrayal, a shipwreck, and a mysterious quest, and it doesn’t let go. There’s not a lot of downtime, though there is some, as Ravi wrestles with decisions and emotions (quite naturally!). Once the adventure gets going, though, it really takes off. I think this will especially appeal to young readers, who get to partake on an ocean adventure in sunny Sri Lanka!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Overall
I had heard so much about The Girl Who Stole an Elephant and hadn’t read it yet, so I thought the release of its accompanying novel would be a perfect excuse! I read the books back-to-back, though that wasn’t necessary. Both stand on their own just fine (though there are some Easter eggs from the first book in this one). Still, this was a quick, enjoyable read, and it didn’t disappoint!
The Boy Who Met a Whale is a fast-paced middle grade adventure set in Sri Lanka, where a young fisherboy has to overcome his fear and guilt to help the mysterious boy who washed up on his shore.
I’m going to give this book four stars myself, but . . . what even are stars? Pffft. I’m an adult and have adult issues with this book . The target audience, though? I think this would easily be a five-star read for middle grade readers, and one I definitely plan on recommending to young patrons!
My Thoughts
- Razi makes for a really interesting protagonist, with worries I think readers of any age will easily relate to. Most prominently, Razi lost his father several months ago, and he hasn’t quite processed his grief. Despite being a fisherboy, Razi is afraid to go out on the water. He cares very much for his mother and sister, and feels he should be doing something to support them, but he can’t quite bring himself to get back on the ocean after losing his father to it. Oh, and then there’s the matter of him stumbling on this mysterious boy named Zheng who washed ashore claiming that the boat he was working on sank. Moreover, there are two men after him who are more than a little violent and seem like they’ll stop at nothing to get what they want. Razi has a choice between doing the safe thing or the right thing, even if it means putting himself in danger. Thankfully for us, he chooses one that leads to adventure!
- Zheng himself is not only mysterious (a little less so to the reader, who meets him in the prologue) with a lot of unbelievable stories to tell. I like to believe that’s part of his charm. It’s hard to be able to tell whether they’re all 100% true or not, but they’re at least in the realm of possibility. What’s more, the reader will likely want to believe them because they’re just plain fun. For all his adventures, though, the one thing Zheng never really had was any friends. He worked with a crew, sure, but that’s not really the same as having steady friends. Especially not ones his age. While Ravi is working on going on his first adventure, Zheng’s journey is of a different nature: friendship.
- The narrative about friendship and family bonds is a touching one that’s sure to worm its way into readers’ hearts. Ravi and Shifa already have a connection, of course, being siblings. They don’t always see eye-to-eye, though. Shifa is much more rational and strategic, where Ravi is more emotional and intrigued by the wonders of nature. Throw Zheng into the mix, with his penchant for adventure, and it’s easy to see how a budding friendship might develop. There’s no doubt that the adventure and action is the main headliner in this book, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of other things to love! The friendship here is definitely one of the highlights of this book.
- Readers, especially reluctant readers, will appreciate how filled with action this book is! The plot carries right along, quickly hooking readers with a betrayal, a shipwreck, and a mysterious quest, and it doesn’t let go. There’s not a lot of downtime, though there is some, as Ravi wrestles with decisions and emotions (quite naturally!). Once the adventure gets going, though, it really takes off. I think this will especially appeal to young readers, who get to partake on an ocean adventure in sunny Sri Lanka!
July 11, 2023
A compact, successful adventure story by Nizrana Farook, The Boy Who Met a Whale has a lot of selling points for younger readers. It takes the tone of Treasure Island and introduces the reader to a (for most people) fresh and fondly described setting. Zheng escapes to a fictional Sri Lankan island after his captain is betrayed by two murderous treasure hunters. He befriends Razi and his sister Shafi, who protect him and eventually agree to search for the treasure with him, an ornate artefact that originally belongs to the island. Razi, in particular, is a well-written character. He has lost his father at sea and is battling his grief and anger at that all-powerful natural entity. I liked his forthright sister too and Zheng with his tall tales and cocky bravado finishes a charismatic trio of likeable heroes. In contrast, the two bay guys are pretty much like the thieves in Home Alone - dangerous but basically harmless and prone to moments of slapstick clumsiness. The two groups scamper to find the prize, taking to the ocean and searching the islands, beset by storms.
The titular whale appears as well but I was pleasantly surprised to find it didn't dominate the plot nor did Farook attempt to create an unrealistically close friendship between Razi and the whale. It fits with the strength of the book - Farook's evocation of the setting is wonderful. It makes you want to be there, it shows you how important it is to Razi and Shafi, it doesn't trivialize the risks of nature and weather, it doesn't romanticise the sea with only beauty. The best moments of the book are when the children are alone with nature and each other. The weakest parts of the book are the action scenes. The bad guys frequently pop out of nowhere with little explanation or build up of tension. Chase scenes are annoyingly frantic and the bad guys threat is frustratingly inconsistent. They are built up as immoral criminals who will stop at nothing to get the treasure, but they miss so many opportunities to dispose of the children to the point when it becomes quite annoying. The final chase scene and the children's ploy to unearth their crimes is better and provides a satisfying ending but generally I thought the actions scenes were what held the book back. Otherwise, Farook's novel is great entertainment. There are plenty of children's books with non-stop action. It's rarer to find a children's writer who can capture beauty so effortlessly and transport the reader to another place. More of that and less slapstick chasing and the book would be even better.
The titular whale appears as well but I was pleasantly surprised to find it didn't dominate the plot nor did Farook attempt to create an unrealistically close friendship between Razi and the whale. It fits with the strength of the book - Farook's evocation of the setting is wonderful. It makes you want to be there, it shows you how important it is to Razi and Shafi, it doesn't trivialize the risks of nature and weather, it doesn't romanticise the sea with only beauty. The best moments of the book are when the children are alone with nature and each other. The weakest parts of the book are the action scenes. The bad guys frequently pop out of nowhere with little explanation or build up of tension. Chase scenes are annoyingly frantic and the bad guys threat is frustratingly inconsistent. They are built up as immoral criminals who will stop at nothing to get the treasure, but they miss so many opportunities to dispose of the children to the point when it becomes quite annoying. The final chase scene and the children's ploy to unearth their crimes is better and provides a satisfying ending but generally I thought the actions scenes were what held the book back. Otherwise, Farook's novel is great entertainment. There are plenty of children's books with non-stop action. It's rarer to find a children's writer who can capture beauty so effortlessly and transport the reader to another place. More of that and less slapstick chasing and the book would be even better.
October 11, 2023
After adoring every page of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant, The Boy Who Met a Whale by Nizrana Farook is another heart-pumping adventure ride through the outskirts & beaches of Sri Lanka. Right onto its exhilarating opening, the story continues to be pacy & exciting, with mysteries that compel you to read each chapter…which are short & easy to read for our young demographic audience.
The story follows Razi who lives on the coast of Serendib, the island of Sri Lanka, which happens to be the author's birthplace, with his sister, Shifa & his mum. Despite his love of fishing & the water, Razi is terrified of boarding a ship again following his father's recent death in an accident at sea. While watching new-born turtles race for the shore one morning, he comes across a boat containing an unconscious boy. Saving him, he quickly discovers that he is wanted by two fearsome men who are determined to kill him. Helping him, Razi discovers that the boy, Zheng, has escaped a shipwreck & holds a map which will give the location to treasure. Before long, Zheng's life is in danger again & Razi & Shifa become entangled in the hunt for the treasure; a quest that will take them back out to sea & on the adventure of their lives. Woven through the story of the three children meet, their subsequent treasure hunt, & escaping villains, are vignettes about turtles, plant medicine, the ocean, & whales.
Instead of the jungle, Farook gives us another wide range of heavy-detailed descriptions of Sri Lanka's coast, which is just what our lockdown minds need at the moment. It's gripping, fun & quickly makes you want to go on whale sightings….& also find some buried treasure.
September 11, 2024
Razi zit op het strand te kijken hoe jonge schildpadden uit hun ei komen, wanneer er een boot aan komt dobberen. Hij lijkt verlaten, tot Razi iets over de rand ziet hangen…
In de boot vindt hij Zheng, die is ontsnapt aan de verdrinkingsdood toen het schip waarop hij zat zonk. Zheng zit vol verhalen over zeemonsters en verborgen schatten, maar ook over de slechteriken die achter hem aan zitten.
Vanaf de allereerste bladzijde word je meteen het verhaal van Razi, Zheng en Shifa ingetrokken. Want hoe zit alles in elkaar? Kan Razi Zheng wel vertrouwen? En ligt er echt een schat verborgen op het eiland?
Nieuwsgierig naar hoe het verhaal van Zheng in elkaar steekt en wat ze allemaal gaan beleven, maakt dat je alleen maar verder wilt lezen. Naast het spannende verhaal heeft het boek ook vele details die je helemaal meenemen in de wereld van Ravi, Zheng en Shifa en natuurlijk het eiland.
De schrijfstijl is erg prettig en daarnaast kan Nizrana Farook ook nog eens tot in detail beschrijven hoe het eruit ziet. Je wordt helemaal meegesleept in het verhaal. Het verhaal leest daardoor makkelijk weg. Het mysterieuze aan het verhaal is ook dat je eigenlijk niet kan voorspellen hoe het verhaal gaat lopen en daardoor wordt je elke keer weer verrast. Daarnaast is er ook nog ontwikkeling te merken bij vooral Razi. Het nogal angstige jongetje voor de zee weet zijn angst voor de zee te overwinnen op een hele realistische manier. Erg mooi dat een karakterontwikkeling ook in kinderboeken terug komt.
Al menig wat kinderen uit mijn klas heb ik kunnen enthousiasmeren voor dit boek en dat geeft ook aan hoe leuk en spannend het boek is.
In de boot vindt hij Zheng, die is ontsnapt aan de verdrinkingsdood toen het schip waarop hij zat zonk. Zheng zit vol verhalen over zeemonsters en verborgen schatten, maar ook over de slechteriken die achter hem aan zitten.
Vanaf de allereerste bladzijde word je meteen het verhaal van Razi, Zheng en Shifa ingetrokken. Want hoe zit alles in elkaar? Kan Razi Zheng wel vertrouwen? En ligt er echt een schat verborgen op het eiland?
Nieuwsgierig naar hoe het verhaal van Zheng in elkaar steekt en wat ze allemaal gaan beleven, maakt dat je alleen maar verder wilt lezen. Naast het spannende verhaal heeft het boek ook vele details die je helemaal meenemen in de wereld van Ravi, Zheng en Shifa en natuurlijk het eiland.
De schrijfstijl is erg prettig en daarnaast kan Nizrana Farook ook nog eens tot in detail beschrijven hoe het eruit ziet. Je wordt helemaal meegesleept in het verhaal. Het verhaal leest daardoor makkelijk weg. Het mysterieuze aan het verhaal is ook dat je eigenlijk niet kan voorspellen hoe het verhaal gaat lopen en daardoor wordt je elke keer weer verrast. Daarnaast is er ook nog ontwikkeling te merken bij vooral Razi. Het nogal angstige jongetje voor de zee weet zijn angst voor de zee te overwinnen op een hele realistische manier. Erg mooi dat een karakterontwikkeling ook in kinderboeken terug komt.
Al menig wat kinderen uit mijn klas heb ik kunnen enthousiasmeren voor dit boek en dat geeft ook aan hoe leuk en spannend het boek is.
January 14, 2024
Razi vindt op een dag een jongen in een bootje en besluit hem te helpen. Deze jongen Zheng heeft grote verhalen en vele avonturen meegemaakt, maar bovenal wordt hij gezocht. Hij heeft iets gestolen wat Marco en Kok graag willen hebben, maar wat eigenlijk toebehoort tot het eiland Seredib. Samen met zijn zus Shifa, zorgt Ravi dat Zheng veilig blijft. Al zorgt dat voor gevaarlijke en spannende situaties.
Een leuk boek om zelf te lezen voor kinderen. Het lees lekker weg en heeft een leuk verhaal. Op een gegeven moment vond ik het verhaal wat langdradig worden, maar uiteindelijk voerde de rode draad wel de boventoon. Vriendschap en vertrouwen, maar vooral je angsten overwinnen en nieuwe herinneringen maken.
Een leuk boek om zelf te lezen voor kinderen. Het lees lekker weg en heeft een leuk verhaal. Op een gegeven moment vond ik het verhaal wat langdradig worden, maar uiteindelijk voerde de rode draad wel de boventoon. Vriendschap en vertrouwen, maar vooral je angsten overwinnen en nieuwe herinneringen maken.
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