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The Lost Whale
What if you could communicate with a whale?
Rio has been sent to live with a grandmother he barely knows in California, while his mum is in hospital back home. Alone and adrift, the only thing that makes him smile is joining his new friend Marina on her dad's whale watching trips. That is until an incredible encounter with White Beak, a gentle giant of the sea changes everything. But when White Beak goes missing, Rio must set out on a desperate quest to find his whale and somehow save his mum.
Dive into this incredible story about the connection between a boy and a whale and the bond that sets them both free.
Rio has been sent to live with a grandmother he barely knows in California, while his mum is in hospital back home. Alone and adrift, the only thing that makes him smile is joining his new friend Marina on her dad's whale watching trips. That is until an incredible encounter with White Beak, a gentle giant of the sea changes everything. But when White Beak goes missing, Rio must set out on a desperate quest to find his whale and somehow save his mum.
Dive into this incredible story about the connection between a boy and a whale and the bond that sets them both free.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2022
160 people are currently reading
4579 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Gold
7 books370 followersHannah Gold worked in the film and magazine industries before taking time out to pursue her dream of writing. She lives in Lincolnshire with her tortoise, her cat and her husband. This is her middle grade debut.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 373 reviews
April 3, 2022
Another beautiful read from Hannah Gold, and she once again covers topics of conservation, preservation and the human heart.
At just 11 years old Rio has had a lot of growing up and responsibility in his life. His mother doesn’t cope well with life and Rio does his best to keep his eye out for her, making sure she is eating and staying safe. When his mum is finally admitted to a hospital for treatment he is sent to a small coastal town in California to live with Fran his grandmother. A grandmother he has barely seen and he doesn’t want to have anything to do with her, nor does he want to stay. One day Fran gives him a box of treasures that belonged to his mum and when Rio looks through them he finds a sketchbook with many many drawings of a whale, a whale he comes to know is called White Beak because of her distinctive markings. This leads him down to the sea and a chance meeting with Marina, a young girl his age who lives on a whale watching boat with her father. Rio feels if he finds this whale it will help mend his mother. He soon learns he has an affinity with the whales and can hear them when no one else can.
There is a lot of information about the whales, their breeds, their habits and habitats and of course the great threat that global warming and sea trash, both caused by humans, has impacted on their environment and ability to survive.
It’s often a teary book, with tissues needed, but it also teaches the reader a bit about mental health issues but a lot about Whales and need to step up and take responsibility for their plight.
Amazing read!
#TheLostWhale #NetGalley
At just 11 years old Rio has had a lot of growing up and responsibility in his life. His mother doesn’t cope well with life and Rio does his best to keep his eye out for her, making sure she is eating and staying safe. When his mum is finally admitted to a hospital for treatment he is sent to a small coastal town in California to live with Fran his grandmother. A grandmother he has barely seen and he doesn’t want to have anything to do with her, nor does he want to stay. One day Fran gives him a box of treasures that belonged to his mum and when Rio looks through them he finds a sketchbook with many many drawings of a whale, a whale he comes to know is called White Beak because of her distinctive markings. This leads him down to the sea and a chance meeting with Marina, a young girl his age who lives on a whale watching boat with her father. Rio feels if he finds this whale it will help mend his mother. He soon learns he has an affinity with the whales and can hear them when no one else can.
There is a lot of information about the whales, their breeds, their habits and habitats and of course the great threat that global warming and sea trash, both caused by humans, has impacted on their environment and ability to survive.
It’s often a teary book, with tissues needed, but it also teaches the reader a bit about mental health issues but a lot about Whales and need to step up and take responsibility for their plight.
Amazing read!
#TheLostWhale #NetGalley
April 24, 2024
YOUTUBE / INSTAGRAM
Un libro middle-grade que nos habla de dos temas muy importantes:
🐳Sobrepesca y contaminación acuática (entre otros problemas a los que se enfrentan las criaturas marinas). Está claro que estamos en un momento crítico respecto a estos problemas, así que me parece genial tener una historia que ayude a concienciar a los más pequeños porque, afrontémoslo, cada generación se encontrará con que el problema es cada vez mayor. Me gusta también el enfoque concreto que se le da, no es abstracto, te habla de las ballenas y, aun más concretamente de una ballena con la que Rio siente una conexión emocional, lo cual ayuda a despertar mayor interés en el lector.
🐋 Salud mental. Esta vertiente no me la esperaba y me gusta bastante cómo está enfocado de cara a hablarlo con los niños y que comprendan ciertas cosas. La madre de Rio necesita atención médica, y aunque no se nos dice explícitamente lo que le pasa, se puede deducir. Es muy interesante ver cómo se siente Rio al respecto, la culpabilidad que siente por momentos, por no poder hacer nada, pero también lo injusto de que un niño cargue sobre sus hombros el tener que cuidar de una madre enferma sin entender del todo siquiera qué le pasa.
A raíz de eso, la soledad y la conexión con otras personas (y seres) también son un tema prevalente en el libro.
Me ha parecido un gran libro, con un mensaje muy importante y que no solo es una buena lectura para los niños, sino también para los adultos, que podemos llegar a obviar con bastante facilidad los problemas que nos rodean.
Un libro middle-grade que nos habla de dos temas muy importantes:
🐳Sobrepesca y contaminación acuática (entre otros problemas a los que se enfrentan las criaturas marinas). Está claro que estamos en un momento crítico respecto a estos problemas, así que me parece genial tener una historia que ayude a concienciar a los más pequeños porque, afrontémoslo, cada generación se encontrará con que el problema es cada vez mayor. Me gusta también el enfoque concreto que se le da, no es abstracto, te habla de las ballenas y, aun más concretamente de una ballena con la que Rio siente una conexión emocional, lo cual ayuda a despertar mayor interés en el lector.
🐋 Salud mental. Esta vertiente no me la esperaba y me gusta bastante cómo está enfocado de cara a hablarlo con los niños y que comprendan ciertas cosas. La madre de Rio necesita atención médica, y aunque no se nos dice explícitamente lo que le pasa, se puede deducir. Es muy interesante ver cómo se siente Rio al respecto, la culpabilidad que siente por momentos, por no poder hacer nada, pero también lo injusto de que un niño cargue sobre sus hombros el tener que cuidar de una madre enferma sin entender del todo siquiera qué le pasa.
A raíz de eso, la soledad y la conexión con otras personas (y seres) también son un tema prevalente en el libro.
Me ha parecido un gran libro, con un mensaje muy importante y que no solo es una buena lectura para los niños, sino también para los adultos, que podemos llegar a obviar con bastante facilidad los problemas que nos rodean.
March 18, 2023
Rio debe viajar a California para quedarse con su abuela, a quien apenas conoce, porque su madre es ingresada en el hospital. Allí, lo único que consigue hacerlo un poco feliz es su nueva amiga, Marina, y las ballenas, que siente que lo conectan a su madre, y más aún cuando reconoce a Morro Blanco, la ballena que su madre no dejaba de dibujar, y con la que forjará un vínculo indestructible.
Ha sido tan, tan tierno y bonito, de verdad. Yo ya sabía a lo que iba con este libro, a emocionarme x1000, pero aun así me ha pillado por sorpresa lo delicado, sincero y directo que ha resultado.
Tratando el tema de la depresión, de la soledad, de la infancia y la familia, de cómo un niño hace todo lo que puede, o lo que cree que puede hacer, para salvar a su madre, lo mucho que la quiere y lo mucho que la necesita. Y todo sin olvidar el tema de la naturaleza, del cuidado de los animales, del problema de la contaminación y del cambio climático, y cómo todos podemos ayudar de cierta manera. Ha sido una lectura redonda que me ha cautivado.
Reseña completa: http://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/202...
Ha sido tan, tan tierno y bonito, de verdad. Yo ya sabía a lo que iba con este libro, a emocionarme x1000, pero aun así me ha pillado por sorpresa lo delicado, sincero y directo que ha resultado.
Tratando el tema de la depresión, de la soledad, de la infancia y la familia, de cómo un niño hace todo lo que puede, o lo que cree que puede hacer, para salvar a su madre, lo mucho que la quiere y lo mucho que la necesita. Y todo sin olvidar el tema de la naturaleza, del cuidado de los animales, del problema de la contaminación y del cambio climático, y cómo todos podemos ayudar de cierta manera. Ha sido una lectura redonda que me ha cautivado.
Reseña completa: http://fiebrelectora.blogspot.com/202...
April 13, 2025
O poveste puternică și fascinantă precum oceanul!
Când mama lui este internată în spital,Rio este trimis în micul oraș de coastă Ocean Bay,din California, la bunica din partea mamei,o femeie le care a văzut-o o singură dată în viață...
De la început,tot ce își dorește Rio este ca mama lui să se facă bine,iar el să se întoarcă înapoi în Londra.Asta până când ia parte la o excursie de observare a balenelor și,în albastrul imens al oceanelor,o întâlnește pe Bot Alb-o uriașă a apelor.Rio se simte atras de balenă si pentru prima dată are un licăr de speranță.
Dar pe urmă Bot Alb dispare....
Rio își asumă toată responsabilitatea de a o găsi și de a o proteja.
Mi-a plăcut mult această carte, deoarece ne arată cât de sinceri și iubitori ne poate face oceanul și că orice și oricine are nevoie de speranță,măcar de un licăr!
Când mama lui este internată în spital,Rio este trimis în micul oraș de coastă Ocean Bay,din California, la bunica din partea mamei,o femeie le care a văzut-o o singură dată în viață...
De la început,tot ce își dorește Rio este ca mama lui să se facă bine,iar el să se întoarcă înapoi în Londra.Asta până când ia parte la o excursie de observare a balenelor și,în albastrul imens al oceanelor,o întâlnește pe Bot Alb-o uriașă a apelor.Rio se simte atras de balenă si pentru prima dată are un licăr de speranță.
Dar pe urmă Bot Alb dispare....
Rio își asumă toată responsabilitatea de a o găsi și de a o proteja.
Mi-a plăcut mult această carte, deoarece ne arată cât de sinceri și iubitori ne poate face oceanul și că orice și oricine are nevoie de speranță,măcar de un licăr!
February 14, 2025
رواية لليافعين مُترجمة عن دار أشجار، بتتكلم عن طفل بريطاني-أمريكي عايش مع أمه في بريطانيا، ،أرسلته إلى جدته في كاليفورنيا بسبب تدهور صحتها النفسية (صحة الأم)، وجدته هي الوحيدة التي يمكنها الاعتناء به، سيكتشف الطفل بإن أمه تحب الحيتان وعندها شغف كبير بمساعدتهم والطفل بالتالي أحب الحيتان وأنقذ حوت بمساعدة الأصدقاء والجدة.
"ضم (ريو) الرسمة إلى صدره كأنه يحميها، "إنها رسمة حوت." أجابها حاذقاً من ردهِ حقيقة أن والدته هي من رسمتها."
رواية لم تبهرني عادية جداً مقارنة بأول رواية قرأتها وهي "الدب الأخير"
"ضم (ريو) الرسمة إلى صدره كأنه يحميها، "إنها رسمة حوت." أجابها حاذقاً من ردهِ حقيقة أن والدته هي من رسمتها."
رواية لم تبهرني عادية جداً مقارنة بأول رواية قرأتها وهي "الدب الأخير"
December 20, 2025
سينطلق الفتى " ريو " في مغامرة تصحبها الدهشة التي لا يمنحها إلا المحيط عندما يلتقي باحدى الحيتان الرمادية ويعانقها...ينصت إليها...ويعدها بالحماية والأمان...
عندئذِ سيتعرف الفتى على ذاته من جديد....
لم تكن الرسومات لطيفة ابدااا ، بل كئيبة ومُظلمة...😏
عندئذِ سيتعرف الفتى على ذاته من جديد....
لم تكن الرسومات لطيفة ابدااا ، بل كئيبة ومُظلمة...😏
March 7, 2022
My love and obsession with the ocean and the whales brought me to request for this book. I am very glad that i did. For, this is one of the most beautiful and heart-warming stories that i've ever read ,that left me crying buckets full of tears because it is really beautiful and i myself felt some kind of deep connection with it.
Just like Rio Turner, the main character in this story, i myself is a carer of my own beloved mother who is also suffering from mental health illness (depression),same as Rio's mother is. I felt the pain, the sadness, the loneliness, ,the missing and the longing that Rio did and had for his mother. I myself hoped and still hoping that like Rio, i could heal my mother and make her happy again.
Trying to find something strong that binds us together again just as Rio had found it through her mother's love for the ocean and a beautiful Grey Whale named White Beak. For my mother and i, our love for reading and love for the animals, bind us together. It brings me joy to see my mother's smile whenever we brought her to the zoo, the same hopefulness that Rio had for his mother when he emailed to her the photos of White Beak, the first beautiful creature that stole her heart.
That is how love is, it is vast and knows no boundaries, just like the ocean's depth. For when, we love and care for someone or something so deeply, naturally we would want to save and to protect it from any harm. Just like Rio did.
One day, Rio discovered that White Beak,the Grey whale has gone missing. He instinctively felt that the whale is still alive and is in trouble. Without much ado, he went all out to search for the whale and save it with the help from his friend, Marina and her father, Birch who are operating the whale watching tour. For Rio, White Beak is the only hope of reconnecting with his own mother and the two (Rio and White Beak shared some kind of deep connection between them when the latter saved him from drowning when he fell off the boat during one of the whale watching trips he had previously). So, now it is his turn to repay the whale by saving her. "I will look after you", Rio promised. "I will keep you safe", just like his promise to his mother.
Kudos to the author, Hannah Gold for her successfully weaving a beautiful,inspiring and eye-opening story by blending extremely well two important issues, that are mental health illness and ocean conservations through this story.
Among the main messages highlighted in this story is to show our love,care and respect for nature and the ocean as we are part of nature and we depend on nature for our own survivals. "The ocean wasn't just a body of water-something that linked all the land masses together. It was far more formidable than that. It breathed just like he breathed. It got angry,just like he got angry. And sometimes it got sad just like he got sad. The ocean wasn't separate from him. It was part of him".
Sadly however, the ocean and the whales are in grave danger thanks to human misconducts. As Marina says, "the ocean is one the most dangerous place on earth. But it is also one of the most in danger". Besides climate change, Hannah Gold interwoven the issues of ocean's pollutions,whales huntings, whales accidents due to ships and boats collisions, ghost nets entanglement and other major threats perfectly well into the story and how we humans play very important roles in safeguarding the ocean and its inhabitants and how we can make a difference if we cared and work together.
I owed my thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this beautiful story that moved me in so many ways!.
Just like Rio Turner, the main character in this story, i myself is a carer of my own beloved mother who is also suffering from mental health illness (depression),same as Rio's mother is. I felt the pain, the sadness, the loneliness, ,the missing and the longing that Rio did and had for his mother. I myself hoped and still hoping that like Rio, i could heal my mother and make her happy again.
Trying to find something strong that binds us together again just as Rio had found it through her mother's love for the ocean and a beautiful Grey Whale named White Beak. For my mother and i, our love for reading and love for the animals, bind us together. It brings me joy to see my mother's smile whenever we brought her to the zoo, the same hopefulness that Rio had for his mother when he emailed to her the photos of White Beak, the first beautiful creature that stole her heart.
That is how love is, it is vast and knows no boundaries, just like the ocean's depth. For when, we love and care for someone or something so deeply, naturally we would want to save and to protect it from any harm. Just like Rio did.
One day, Rio discovered that White Beak,the Grey whale has gone missing. He instinctively felt that the whale is still alive and is in trouble. Without much ado, he went all out to search for the whale and save it with the help from his friend, Marina and her father, Birch who are operating the whale watching tour. For Rio, White Beak is the only hope of reconnecting with his own mother and the two (Rio and White Beak shared some kind of deep connection between them when the latter saved him from drowning when he fell off the boat during one of the whale watching trips he had previously). So, now it is his turn to repay the whale by saving her. "I will look after you", Rio promised. "I will keep you safe", just like his promise to his mother.
Kudos to the author, Hannah Gold for her successfully weaving a beautiful,inspiring and eye-opening story by blending extremely well two important issues, that are mental health illness and ocean conservations through this story.
Among the main messages highlighted in this story is to show our love,care and respect for nature and the ocean as we are part of nature and we depend on nature for our own survivals. "The ocean wasn't just a body of water-something that linked all the land masses together. It was far more formidable than that. It breathed just like he breathed. It got angry,just like he got angry. And sometimes it got sad just like he got sad. The ocean wasn't separate from him. It was part of him".
Sadly however, the ocean and the whales are in grave danger thanks to human misconducts. As Marina says, "the ocean is one the most dangerous place on earth. But it is also one of the most in danger". Besides climate change, Hannah Gold interwoven the issues of ocean's pollutions,whales huntings, whales accidents due to ships and boats collisions, ghost nets entanglement and other major threats perfectly well into the story and how we humans play very important roles in safeguarding the ocean and its inhabitants and how we can make a difference if we cared and work together.
I owed my thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this beautiful story that moved me in so many ways!.
April 8, 2022
Another marvellous read!
Travelling to California to stay with his grandma Fran while his mom gets better, 11-years-old Rio wants nothing more than to go back to London and be with mum, who he has been taking care of for quite some time now.
After all, he knew what grown-ups were like. They spoiled things with logic. And Rio didn't need logic right now. He just needed hope.
What starts as a journey of healing for his mum back in London, ends up being a journey of healing for Rio as well, as he discovers the wonders of whale-watching, the connection his mum had with whales since her childhood, the marvels of the ocean and the gentle giant whales that live within.
A spellbinding adventure full of illustrations by the wonderful Levi Pinfold - that will leave you in awe - Hannah Gold brings you close to the ocean, the wonderful animals that inhabit there and the wrongdoings humans have brought upon both.
There were many grown-ups all round the world who seemed to be waiting for the right moment to do something. Many people who were leaving it too late.
It isn't only a environmental conscious narrative, but with its cadence to deal with hard topics in family dynamics - such as how parent's mental health affects the child deeply -, I can tell you Hannah Gold has written something quite unique and relatable to all of us.
We all care for the environment and are scared of the daunting prospect of actually doing so. However, if Rio and White Beak can teach us anything is that an open heart and a small action, added to others' numerous small actions, can save lives and, ultimately, the oceans and all living beings that call it home.
None of us can save the world single-handedly. But together we might just stand a chance.
Travelling to California to stay with his grandma Fran while his mom gets better, 11-years-old Rio wants nothing more than to go back to London and be with mum, who he has been taking care of for quite some time now.
After all, he knew what grown-ups were like. They spoiled things with logic. And Rio didn't need logic right now. He just needed hope.
What starts as a journey of healing for his mum back in London, ends up being a journey of healing for Rio as well, as he discovers the wonders of whale-watching, the connection his mum had with whales since her childhood, the marvels of the ocean and the gentle giant whales that live within.
A spellbinding adventure full of illustrations by the wonderful Levi Pinfold - that will leave you in awe - Hannah Gold brings you close to the ocean, the wonderful animals that inhabit there and the wrongdoings humans have brought upon both.
There were many grown-ups all round the world who seemed to be waiting for the right moment to do something. Many people who were leaving it too late.
It isn't only a environmental conscious narrative, but with its cadence to deal with hard topics in family dynamics - such as how parent's mental health affects the child deeply -, I can tell you Hannah Gold has written something quite unique and relatable to all of us.
We all care for the environment and are scared of the daunting prospect of actually doing so. However, if Rio and White Beak can teach us anything is that an open heart and a small action, added to others' numerous small actions, can save lives and, ultimately, the oceans and all living beings that call it home.
None of us can save the world single-handedly. But together we might just stand a chance.
June 4, 2023
*Big thank you to Books Are My Bag for sending me this as part of the Children’s Fiction Shortlist for the Indie Book Awards!*
I read a book last year by Hannah Gold for the same award and honestly really enjoyed it, so I was so excited when I saw her new release on the shortlist again! I think her books are great for adults, but definitely if you have a younger reader in your life I would recommend her titles. Not only are they beautifully designed inside and out, but she often tackles really big and important subjects that we should be talking to our children about, and she does it in a really lovely and honest way that will make it much easier for you to navigate those big conversations which is brilliant. They’re also a whole lot of fun!
This book I went into blind, but was really blown away by the beauty of it and how well it handled a lot of the topics brought forth. In here we tackle parental depression and mental health through the lens of a child, and also it discusses how children often take on a care giving role for the parent and never really just get to be children themselves. It is quite a sad one, a lot sadder than her first book I think, but it does end on a nope of hope and I like the focus on taking some time for your own mental health. It was very delicately written and made for a nice and gentle read, despite being quite emotionally heavy.
The characters were great and I really enjoyed Rio as a protagonist. He had a lot of big feelings to get out and you can really see his shift in mood as the book progresses and he tries to process everything going on in his life, because it is quite turbulent. I loved how the family and friendships were portrayed in here though, and how patient they were with him because they knew he was only acting and saying things out of being scared and upset. I think it ended up being really lovely to read.
I liked this one and think Gold is definitely a great author with some really imaginative stories up her sleeve, coupled with bringing key topics to the centre of her novels which is really great.
I read a book last year by Hannah Gold for the same award and honestly really enjoyed it, so I was so excited when I saw her new release on the shortlist again! I think her books are great for adults, but definitely if you have a younger reader in your life I would recommend her titles. Not only are they beautifully designed inside and out, but she often tackles really big and important subjects that we should be talking to our children about, and she does it in a really lovely and honest way that will make it much easier for you to navigate those big conversations which is brilliant. They’re also a whole lot of fun!
This book I went into blind, but was really blown away by the beauty of it and how well it handled a lot of the topics brought forth. In here we tackle parental depression and mental health through the lens of a child, and also it discusses how children often take on a care giving role for the parent and never really just get to be children themselves. It is quite a sad one, a lot sadder than her first book I think, but it does end on a nope of hope and I like the focus on taking some time for your own mental health. It was very delicately written and made for a nice and gentle read, despite being quite emotionally heavy.
The characters were great and I really enjoyed Rio as a protagonist. He had a lot of big feelings to get out and you can really see his shift in mood as the book progresses and he tries to process everything going on in his life, because it is quite turbulent. I loved how the family and friendships were portrayed in here though, and how patient they were with him because they knew he was only acting and saying things out of being scared and upset. I think it ended up being really lovely to read.
I liked this one and think Gold is definitely a great author with some really imaginative stories up her sleeve, coupled with bringing key topics to the centre of her novels which is really great.
January 20, 2025
‘With knowledge comes the power to change.’
I randomly picked up this book because of the beautiful cover. It was only when I get home I noticed the beautiful drawings throughout the book. The drawings give the story so much more depth!
It’s a heart-warming story about mental health, friendship, adventure and the power of finding your true self.
I randomly picked up this book because of the beautiful cover. It was only when I get home I noticed the beautiful drawings throughout the book. The drawings give the story so much more depth!
It’s a heart-warming story about mental health, friendship, adventure and the power of finding your true self.
August 11, 2023
Eine ganz wundervolle Geschichte 🐳💖
August 22, 2025
Изумителна история до самия ѝ финал 😊
March 4, 2023
Qué emotivo y bonito. Al igual que El último oso, ha logrado llegarme al corazón: sencillo, pero directo, tratando temas como la infancia, la soledad y la depresión.
March 19, 2024
This book was exceptionally good especially the part when Rio set off to save white beak and it's sad that so many whales get caught in the nets. Also it's sad that his mum was in hospital longer then she should of been.
May 15, 2023
Muchas veces me he encontrado con libros de literatura infantil o juvenil con tanta calidad que nada tienen que envidiar a los de adultos. Hay muchos prejuicios, incluso se llegan a considerar inferiores, y es algo que me da mucha rabia porque no hay duda de que en la LIJ se pueden encontrar verdaderas joyas con muchísima calidad.
Este libro es sin duda una de esas joyas, una historia preciosa, con fondo, llena de valores, de la que pueden disfrutar todas las edades. Lo he leído con mis peques de 11 y 6 años y nos ha encantado a los tres. Ellos se han llevado la parte de las aventuras, de las expediciones en barco en busca de ballenas por el océano Pacífico, de la amistad entre dos niños y uno de los animales más impresionantes del planeta, de las curiosidades, del amor por la naturaleza, de la conciencia de cuidar nuestro planeta... Yo me quedo, además de todo eso, con lo que hay un poco más bajo la superficie, con la compleja relación abuela - madre - hijo, con los secretos y recuerdos familiares, con las decisiones a veces difíciles pero necesarias, con las batallas internas entre uno mismo y con cómo el recelo y la desconfianza pueden transformarse con esfuerzo en seguridad y en hogar.
Como veis aquí hay para todos, eso es lo que tienen las buenas historias, que cada lector puede sacar y quedarse lo que es para él, lo que necesita en ese momento o con lo que se siente más identificado. Y por si esto fuera poco, las increíbles ilustraciones la hacen todavía más bonita, son simplemente una obra de arte (mirad las fotos del interior, son alucinantes).
Lo recomiendo totalmente, es muy emocionante en todos los sentidos, y animo a dejar de lado los prejuicios y a dejarse sorprender, a veces una buena historia puede estar donde menos te la esperas.
Este libro es sin duda una de esas joyas, una historia preciosa, con fondo, llena de valores, de la que pueden disfrutar todas las edades. Lo he leído con mis peques de 11 y 6 años y nos ha encantado a los tres. Ellos se han llevado la parte de las aventuras, de las expediciones en barco en busca de ballenas por el océano Pacífico, de la amistad entre dos niños y uno de los animales más impresionantes del planeta, de las curiosidades, del amor por la naturaleza, de la conciencia de cuidar nuestro planeta... Yo me quedo, además de todo eso, con lo que hay un poco más bajo la superficie, con la compleja relación abuela - madre - hijo, con los secretos y recuerdos familiares, con las decisiones a veces difíciles pero necesarias, con las batallas internas entre uno mismo y con cómo el recelo y la desconfianza pueden transformarse con esfuerzo en seguridad y en hogar.
Como veis aquí hay para todos, eso es lo que tienen las buenas historias, que cada lector puede sacar y quedarse lo que es para él, lo que necesita en ese momento o con lo que se siente más identificado. Y por si esto fuera poco, las increíbles ilustraciones la hacen todavía más bonita, son simplemente una obra de arte (mirad las fotos del interior, son alucinantes).
Lo recomiendo totalmente, es muy emocionante en todos los sentidos, y animo a dejar de lado los prejuicios y a dejarse sorprender, a veces una buena historia puede estar donde menos te la esperas.
February 26, 2023
¡Qué maravilla! Una historia preciosa, muy especial y emotiva, y llena de esperanza y amor por la naturaleza.
Estoy deseando leer “El último oso” de la misma autora.
Estoy deseando leer “El último oso” de la misma autora.
April 20, 2023
“Nadie puede salvar el mundo por sí solo”
Rio debe mudarse a causa de su abuela debido a que su madre debe ser ingresada por su salud mental. En la costa californiana se encontrará con las ballenas y descubrirá un don que cambiará su vida.
Lleno de ilustraciones preciosas y con reflexiones sobre ecología y la relación con la naturaleza, este libro nos hace pensar sobre nuestro papel en mantener los ecosistemas limpios y la responsabilidad, en este caso, de la limpieza marina.
Rio da voz también a lo complicado que es empezar de 0 en un país nuevo, cuando no conoces realmente ni a tu familiar más cercano y con inseguridades respecto a su futuro. El acercamiento a las ballenas le da un nuevo propósito y sirve para que los/las lectores/as vean cómo evoluciona su coraza.
Lleno de mensajes duros pero necesarios, sin dejar perder la esperanza, es un libro que te hace pasar por una vorágine de sentimientos y no dejará a nadie indiferente.
Colibrí.
Rio debe mudarse a causa de su abuela debido a que su madre debe ser ingresada por su salud mental. En la costa californiana se encontrará con las ballenas y descubrirá un don que cambiará su vida.
Lleno de ilustraciones preciosas y con reflexiones sobre ecología y la relación con la naturaleza, este libro nos hace pensar sobre nuestro papel en mantener los ecosistemas limpios y la responsabilidad, en este caso, de la limpieza marina.
Rio da voz también a lo complicado que es empezar de 0 en un país nuevo, cuando no conoces realmente ni a tu familiar más cercano y con inseguridades respecto a su futuro. El acercamiento a las ballenas le da un nuevo propósito y sirve para que los/las lectores/as vean cómo evoluciona su coraza.
Lleno de mensajes duros pero necesarios, sin dejar perder la esperanza, es un libro que te hace pasar por una vorágine de sentimientos y no dejará a nadie indiferente.
Colibrí.
September 15, 2024
4-4,5⭐️
Opnieuw een boek, van Hannah Gold, met een prachtige en mooie boodschap. Een boodschap die zeker verteld moet blijven worden!
Voor de jongere lezers onder ons heel leerzaam, maar zeker ook voor de oudere lezers om even bewust stil te staan wat voor impact ons leven allemaal heeft op het levens van prachtige dieren 🐋
Opnieuw een boek, van Hannah Gold, met een prachtige en mooie boodschap. Een boodschap die zeker verteld moet blijven worden!
Voor de jongere lezers onder ons heel leerzaam, maar zeker ook voor de oudere lezers om even bewust stil te staan wat voor impact ons leven allemaal heeft op het levens van prachtige dieren 🐋
January 25, 2025
Such a beautiful story!!! Definitely recommend for all gentle souls, all animal lovers and those who love to get lost in a good book.
I read this with my 8 year old who LOVED it!
Nice, short, engaging chapters.
Beautiful characters.
I read this with my 8 year old who LOVED it!
Nice, short, engaging chapters.
Beautiful characters.
June 5, 2022
Rio feels completely out of place in California. He has been sent to stay with his Grandmother who is nothing like he imagined. She’s tall and thin and seems uncomfortable around him. The last time she saw him, he was a tiny baby in his mother’s arms. Now mum is in a special hospital for the illness that has moulded Rio’s life. Even at only age eleven he has always looked after his mum, whether it be making meals, getting her a cup of tea in the middle of the night, or holding her hand when she is really sad.
Now Rio can only speak to his mum once a week by phone and he can’t wait for that contact, but it isn’t long before Rio has connected with his mum in a different way. His grandmother Fran shows him a box of his mother’s childhood treasures and he finds pictures of hand drawn whales. There is one whale in particular that has been drawn over and over.
The seaside town that is to be his home for the next four weeks is a tourist spot for whale watchers. After making a friend called Marina he begins to learn about the grey whale, and the whale in his mum’s drawing. This whale is called White Beak. A photo of his mum on a whale watching boat shows her how she used to be. Beaming with happiness and love – White Beak was “her” whale.
Can he make mum happy again? What if he can get a photo of White Beak now? In his secret plans to make mum well again he discovers he has a special skill only few are born with. He also learns about a whole world of people who watch, count and enjoy grey whale’s migration patterns.
Soon it is not just a secret plan to save mum, but “his” whale. This plan has become so much bigger than just him, his mum or even White Beak. The entire ocean needs to be saved.
By the author of the stunning novel The Last Bear, The Lost Whale is just as heart wrenching about a child and an animal. These children have had to make tough grown-up decisions, and stand up for what they have come to love, and even put their own selves at risk for beautiful creatures.
The Lost Whale is also a tale of human kind’s effect on the Earth and its animals and a young boy’s discovery and determination to try and put it right. One animal at a time.
Levi Pinfold’s art work within The Lost Whale is another treat all of it’s own, some illustrations bringing a tear to my eye. This precious story and astounding art together – are pure treasure.
Might need tissues for this one. I did. Simply beautiful.
Author – Hannah Gold
Illustrator – Levi Pinfold
Age – 8+
Now Rio can only speak to his mum once a week by phone and he can’t wait for that contact, but it isn’t long before Rio has connected with his mum in a different way. His grandmother Fran shows him a box of his mother’s childhood treasures and he finds pictures of hand drawn whales. There is one whale in particular that has been drawn over and over.
The seaside town that is to be his home for the next four weeks is a tourist spot for whale watchers. After making a friend called Marina he begins to learn about the grey whale, and the whale in his mum’s drawing. This whale is called White Beak. A photo of his mum on a whale watching boat shows her how she used to be. Beaming with happiness and love – White Beak was “her” whale.
Can he make mum happy again? What if he can get a photo of White Beak now? In his secret plans to make mum well again he discovers he has a special skill only few are born with. He also learns about a whole world of people who watch, count and enjoy grey whale’s migration patterns.
Soon it is not just a secret plan to save mum, but “his” whale. This plan has become so much bigger than just him, his mum or even White Beak. The entire ocean needs to be saved.
By the author of the stunning novel The Last Bear, The Lost Whale is just as heart wrenching about a child and an animal. These children have had to make tough grown-up decisions, and stand up for what they have come to love, and even put their own selves at risk for beautiful creatures.
The Lost Whale is also a tale of human kind’s effect on the Earth and its animals and a young boy’s discovery and determination to try and put it right. One animal at a time.
Levi Pinfold’s art work within The Lost Whale is another treat all of it’s own, some illustrations bringing a tear to my eye. This precious story and astounding art together – are pure treasure.
Might need tissues for this one. I did. Simply beautiful.
Author – Hannah Gold
Illustrator – Levi Pinfold
Age – 8+
June 23, 2022
Such a gorgeous story, I love Hannah Gold's writing. A beautiful tale of the ocean.
August 31, 2022
I gave the lost whale five stars because I love animal books especially about whales. I think whales are fascinating sea creatures they are probably my second favourite sea creatures my first would be narwhals and I love that this story is set in California that really captures the book just the setting and I also love that the the lost whale is about friendship and adventure. My favourite part was when rio saved white beak from the net and she was nearly dieying but then rio soft words saved her from drowning. I also loved that rio had a strong connection with the whale.
December 23, 2022
I don’t know why so many kid’s stories are “kid trying to process grief and trauma with lots of explosive emotions, and grown ups who clumsily help but, ultimately, they have to learn a lesson from the kid as well.”
Some parts were very carefully written, some parts were very clunky. Overall I enjoyed it ok, but it’s not one I’d recommend or go back to. Too glum and
I found myself rolling my eyes too many times. Yes, I know it's a children's story but I think I'd have done the same even as a kid.
Some parts were very carefully written, some parts were very clunky. Overall I enjoyed it ok, but it’s not one I’d recommend or go back to. Too glum and
I found myself rolling my eyes too many times. Yes, I know it's a children's story but I think I'd have done the same even as a kid.
October 7, 2023
Hannah Gold is so good at describing a magical bond between a child and an animal! It's such a good kind of fairytale and had I been a child, this book would have endlessly inspired me to save the world.
I've also noticed she is quite harsh and realistic about how bad adults can be at parenting and I'm not sure what I think about this yet.
Lastly I know that we all need to do our part in saving the world, but I feel ambivalent about putting that strain and feeling of helplessness on the shoulders of children.
I've also noticed she is quite harsh and realistic about how bad adults can be at parenting and I'm not sure what I think about this yet.
Lastly I know that we all need to do our part in saving the world, but I feel ambivalent about putting that strain and feeling of helplessness on the shoulders of children.
July 26, 2022
Another library read and wow another beautifully written story by Hannah Gold. Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about the environment, nature and of course the grey whale known as White Beak. Highly recommend this delightful book 💕
July 15, 2025
This is the 3th (July 2025) time I read this book and fell in love with it even more 🥰
I read this book in December 2023 and I re-read it in October 2024.
And I fallen in love with this book and it characters!
🐋🐳🌊💛
February 16, 2025
un beau roman à avoir dans sa bibliothèque de classe. parce que ce sont les nouvelles amitiés, parce que ça nous rappelle l’importance de prendre soin de l’environnement, c’est aussi l’anxiété et la famille et c’est aussi la famille qu’on se crée. plusieurs jolis termes abordés en plus d’une histoire bien attachante qu’est celle de Rio et de Blanc Bec.
February 9, 2024
mein neues comfort buch🩵🙁
Ich will jetzt nach Ocean Bay ziehen und jeden Tag Wale angucken !
„There were no words. Just this wondrous feeling rushing through his blood like magic.“
Ich will jetzt nach Ocean Bay ziehen und jeden Tag Wale angucken !
„There were no words. Just this wondrous feeling rushing through his blood like magic.“
July 5, 2025
a beautiful story.. truly a must read
April 30, 2023
This was brilliant, I couldn’t put it down. I now want to go on a whale watching holiday and to start learning about these incredible creatures. Hannah Gold managed to capture the urgent need for us to all do our bit, whether small or large for the planet in a way that isn’t patronising. Rio and Marina are great characters too!
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