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The Whale Watchers
Join The Whale Watchers on an unforgettable summer holiday adventure that raises awareness of the key role that whales play in climate change and explains how readers can help protect whales and their environment by reducing single use plastics and embracing a more sustainable reuse culture.
- GenresMiddle GradeChildrens
224 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2022
3 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Dougie Poynter
35 books88 followersDougie Poynter has been obsessed with dinosaurs ever since visiting the Natural History Museum when he was about three. He is passionate about the natural world and a keen conservationist, working with charities such as WWF and Greenpeace to get harmful products banned and to clean up the planet.
Dougie wrote songs together with Tom Fletcher for years in bands McFly and McBusted; they now write their bestselling Dinosaur that Pooped books in the same way that they write their song lyrics. The books have sold over a million copies!
Dougie wrote songs together with Tom Fletcher for years in bands McFly and McBusted; they now write their bestselling Dinosaur that Pooped books in the same way that they write their song lyrics. The books have sold over a million copies!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
November 10, 2022
This is a great book for children and it turns out, for adults too!
Finn and Jesse’s mum is a marine biologist and they are off to Scotland as his mum has to spend the summer holidays studying the whales there. Finn doesn’t want to be there and would much rather be laying by a hotel pool than whale watching but his younger brother Jesse is obsessed with whales and so Finn has to spend his time with him while his mum is working. That is, until they meet local girl Skye who is passionate about the local whales too and more importantly, plastic pollution.
The underlying story is that of plastic pollution in our seas and oceans and the damage it is doing to the animals and mammals that live in it. My 10 year old daughter read it first and loved it so much that I had to read it and I’m so pleased I did.
There are lots of interesting facts and information about whales, dolphins, whale watchers and the science behind the story at the end of the book.
Definitely a must read for any budding young environmentalists out there and anyone that wants to learn about plastic pollution and the damage it is doing to our amazing planet.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Finn and Jesse’s mum is a marine biologist and they are off to Scotland as his mum has to spend the summer holidays studying the whales there. Finn doesn’t want to be there and would much rather be laying by a hotel pool than whale watching but his younger brother Jesse is obsessed with whales and so Finn has to spend his time with him while his mum is working. That is, until they meet local girl Skye who is passionate about the local whales too and more importantly, plastic pollution.
The underlying story is that of plastic pollution in our seas and oceans and the damage it is doing to the animals and mammals that live in it. My 10 year old daughter read it first and loved it so much that I had to read it and I’m so pleased I did.
There are lots of interesting facts and information about whales, dolphins, whale watchers and the science behind the story at the end of the book.
Definitely a must read for any budding young environmentalists out there and anyone that wants to learn about plastic pollution and the damage it is doing to our amazing planet.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 10, 2022
A fab little story from Dougie about Jesse, Finn and Skye who meet on a holiday in Scotland and go looking for whales.
There is also a nice facts section at the end all about whales and how they help our world.
There is also a nice facts section at the end all about whales and how they help our world.
September 17, 2025
Amazing and educational book, it gives young readers insights into the harm of plastic pollution and things we all can change about it. The story itself is lovely and warm.
I absolutely loveeeed the inclusive illustrations! These surprised me and made the book even better for me!
I absolutely loveeeed the inclusive illustrations! These surprised me and made the book even better for me!
July 29, 2022
The Whale Watchers
By Dougie Poynter
Illustrated by Amberin Huq
Published by Owlet Press
Review:
This a a book that need to be in every school library and shared as widely as possible. It is not only a good story - it has a powerful message of hope and a call to action.
So many of our young people are already fighting to make the world a better place trying to undo the damage that we have done. This book acts as another means to spread the word - providing facts to support the cause and an accessible message.
I enjoyed the story - it’s a good length and keeps things to the point. You become invested in Finn and Jesse’s adventure along with Skye. Facts are dropped in, messages are shared but it doesn’t feel preachy. I also learnt a huge amount from the book. I had no idea just how important whales were to our planet and helping us to reduce carbon dioxide.
I also like that the book doesn’t shy away from the idea of ‘what difference will I make when there’s so much damage done?’ We’ve probably all expressed that anxiety and doubt at some point. The book shows children (and adults) that it’s ok to feel that way - but when we actually look at it - our one action combined with the one action of many makes a big difference.
So spread the word and keep making those small changes to have a big impact!
Thank you to Owlet Press for my copy to review. It will be floating on to school where I know it will be very well received.
By Dougie Poynter
Illustrated by Amberin Huq
Published by Owlet Press
Review:
This a a book that need to be in every school library and shared as widely as possible. It is not only a good story - it has a powerful message of hope and a call to action.
So many of our young people are already fighting to make the world a better place trying to undo the damage that we have done. This book acts as another means to spread the word - providing facts to support the cause and an accessible message.
I enjoyed the story - it’s a good length and keeps things to the point. You become invested in Finn and Jesse’s adventure along with Skye. Facts are dropped in, messages are shared but it doesn’t feel preachy. I also learnt a huge amount from the book. I had no idea just how important whales were to our planet and helping us to reduce carbon dioxide.
I also like that the book doesn’t shy away from the idea of ‘what difference will I make when there’s so much damage done?’ We’ve probably all expressed that anxiety and doubt at some point. The book shows children (and adults) that it’s ok to feel that way - but when we actually look at it - our one action combined with the one action of many makes a big difference.
So spread the word and keep making those small changes to have a big impact!
Thank you to Owlet Press for my copy to review. It will be floating on to school where I know it will be very well received.
December 15, 2022
Great book whales
July 22, 2022
Today, I finished reading The Whale Watchers to my Year 3&4 class.
This was a fantastic book, which the kids loved. The topic of plastic pollution is very current and fit in perfectly with both our current Science and Geography topics. The kids left school today wanting to do more to save the animals from microplastics.
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The story is about a young boy who doesn't believe one person's actions can change the impact of climate change and pollution. However, through meeting a new friend and helping to rescue a stranded Whale he learns all about the positive impacts humans can have when they work together.
This was a fantastic book, which the kids loved. The topic of plastic pollution is very current and fit in perfectly with both our current Science and Geography topics. The kids left school today wanting to do more to save the animals from microplastics.
.
The story is about a young boy who doesn't believe one person's actions can change the impact of climate change and pollution. However, through meeting a new friend and helping to rescue a stranded Whale he learns all about the positive impacts humans can have when they work together.
May 2, 2023
I liked this book so much, it was very tense and scary at some bits
October 17, 2024
Read this with my 7 year old son at bedtime, it's been the first childrens chapter book that I had read in a while so the plot and the pace is obviously completely different to adult fiction so trying to review this book from a child's pov....
I loved how the author has incorporated current issues and charities within the plot such as plastic pollution,how it can be overwhelming as one person on how to make a difference to this massive issue. It created opportunities for conversation between myself and my son on how we can make changes and the impact our decisions have on the environment.
Dougie Poynter has even included suggestions about this, facts about whales, the importance and impact they have in our seas and even suggestions of potential careers. I absolutely loved this as it inspires and excites children further and I know as a child it would have encouraged me to research further, it's got me excited as an adult to discover more...
As a child I loved whales and dolphins and WDC was a charity I supported and loved growing up and think its incredible that this charity is a crucial part of this plot, creating awareness to another generation.
I loved how the author has incorporated current issues and charities within the plot such as plastic pollution,how it can be overwhelming as one person on how to make a difference to this massive issue. It created opportunities for conversation between myself and my son on how we can make changes and the impact our decisions have on the environment.
Dougie Poynter has even included suggestions about this, facts about whales, the importance and impact they have in our seas and even suggestions of potential careers. I absolutely loved this as it inspires and excites children further and I know as a child it would have encouraged me to research further, it's got me excited as an adult to discover more...
As a child I loved whales and dolphins and WDC was a charity I supported and loved growing up and think its incredible that this charity is a crucial part of this plot, creating awareness to another generation.
June 21, 2023
It’s a good book but I found it really depressive at the beginning which made it hard to get into.
The main character is about 8yrs old but constantly worries about the threat of plastic and global warming to the point he doesn’t enjoy day to day life - the character is depressed in my opinion.
It made me realise that I didn’t enjoy reading it to the children in my class as we were reading it in short chunks and for weeks it was negative after negative with no positivity at all.
Wouldn’t suggest reading to a class but for those who enjoy reading quickly on their own it’s good.
The main character is about 8yrs old but constantly worries about the threat of plastic and global warming to the point he doesn’t enjoy day to day life - the character is depressed in my opinion.
It made me realise that I didn’t enjoy reading it to the children in my class as we were reading it in short chunks and for weeks it was negative after negative with no positivity at all.
Wouldn’t suggest reading to a class but for those who enjoy reading quickly on their own it’s good.
July 14, 2022
I'm a bit bias because Dougie is part of my favourite band, but I did really enjoy this and the message it gave about climate change, plastic pollution and how important oceans are to the ecosystem!
Perfect for anyone with kids who are worried about animals and the environment!
TW for climate change, death of a whale, near-death of a beached whale, climate anxiety, mentions of a dead mother by cancer.
Perfect for anyone with kids who are worried about animals and the environment!
TW for climate change, death of a whale, near-death of a beached whale, climate anxiety, mentions of a dead mother by cancer.
August 29, 2022
The most wonderful story to educate kids on the importance of marine ecology. I read it with my two sons (6&5) and they have gone on to research different whales and how they can reduce plastic use. Thought provoking and written well to speak to that age, a book that should be read and discussed in schools!
February 27, 2023
Read this to my children as our bedtime read and they loved listening to the adventure story. The story is full of information about whales, oceans and climate change, with a glossary at the back which explains vocabulary in a child friendly way. We also loved reading about what we can do to reduce our plastic waste and help the oceans.
April 8, 2025
A cute wee story about saving a whale. This is a great and simple story for kids. It has lots of information and an inspiring moral that anyone can make a difference. As an animal lover and huge fan of Dougie Poynter this was a must read and didn't disappoint.
July 29, 2022
Really sweet book. Great to read to children to showcase how all of our actions can affect the world.
September 5, 2022
My 8-year-old loved it.
September 23, 2022
A lovely story for children which offers a positive ways for them to help whales and dolphins whilst also reducing plastic pollution.
October 12, 2022
Bought for my grandson but read myself, excellent book for young children to understand the problems and hope for the future of the planet
November 25, 2022
Read this as my class text with Year 4 - a great read, some amazing underlying messages and lots of interesting details to be taken away from it.
September 10, 2023
Great. A fantastic story about looking after the ocean.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2025
An engaging story, introducing the importance of protecting and studying whales and dolphins. Also thoroughly highlights their part in the cycle of ocean life. Recommend.
February 12, 2025
Read with my 8 year old as a bed time story and we could easily read a couple of chapters in a night. We both loved it and it really made us think about the effect we have on the environment 😌
May 5, 2025
Such a good book about a whale getting stuck and the whale being saved
July 25, 2025
Excellent book for children and adults to read and learn about whales and plastic pollution etc. I enjoyed the illustrations too and would recommend this book to all schools in the UK.
November 11, 2025
very good
September 27, 2024
This young middle-grade book is about a boy's summer adventures in Scotland rescuing a beached whale.
Finn wishes he could have a normal summer break like this friends. Instead of going to hot and exotic places like Spain, he's headed for dreary Scotland with a packed lunch, while his marine biologist mother studies whales up there. He meets a local girl who promises to show his enthusiastic younger brother a place where they might spot some whales. What they spotted changed how Finn viewed his mother's job and their way of life.
This story is very easy to read with a powerful message about the use of plastic and its impact on marine life. I enjoyed the play of words on names : a marine biologist has a son called Finn and a girl called Skye with a dog called Rain. At the back of the book there is a lot of information about the whales, conservation, plastic impact and relevant careers in tackling climate change.
Opening line: As Finn dragged his wheelie bag along the platform towards the 9.15pm sleeper train from London Euston to Inverness, he wondered if this could be the worst summer holiday that anyone in the whole history of summer holidays had every been forced to go on.
Finn wishes he could have a normal summer break like this friends. Instead of going to hot and exotic places like Spain, he's headed for dreary Scotland with a packed lunch, while his marine biologist mother studies whales up there. He meets a local girl who promises to show his enthusiastic younger brother a place where they might spot some whales. What they spotted changed how Finn viewed his mother's job and their way of life.
This story is very easy to read with a powerful message about the use of plastic and its impact on marine life. I enjoyed the play of words on names : a marine biologist has a son called Finn and a girl called Skye with a dog called Rain. At the back of the book there is a lot of information about the whales, conservation, plastic impact and relevant careers in tackling climate change.
Opening line: As Finn dragged his wheelie bag along the platform towards the 9.15pm sleeper train from London Euston to Inverness, he wondered if this could be the worst summer holiday that anyone in the whole history of summer holidays had every been forced to go on.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews