A Symphony of Whales

This is based on the true story of the rescue of beluga whales by the people of the Chuchki peninsular, told through the eyes of of a young girl. It is beautifully illustrated in soft muted tones that inspire a wonderful sense of the arctic winter. I used this story as part of earth day education for my scout troop, to demonstrate the relationship between people and the earth. It is best suited to 6 -8 year olds as the story and illustrations are complex and require good listening/observation skills. My girls loved the true story notes at the end. I had many parents ask me about the story afterward - so obviously there was a lot of retelling of the story by the girls at home.

Honours children's closeness to Spirit and is a beautiful story - being based on a true story all the more memorable.

Although technically a children's book, "A Symphony of Whales" shook me up and blew me away with rich illustrations and an even more potent story. Sweet and simple, author Schuch tells the beautiful story of an Inuit girl and her whale spirit friend "Narna" -- and (not to give away the ending) the dramatic escape of three thousand whales trapped in an icy inlet of the Pacific ocean. Not to be cute, but the book really is as much for adults as for children. Illustrator Peter Sylvada's pictures must literally be seen to be believed.

I liked the girls kindness for the whales. She was cute and lovable. She was like a mother.

Heard about this book on NPR and bought it for nephew cos I liked the idea and the story. What wasn't clearly told was just how incredibly rich Peter Sylvada's illustrations are... all oil paintings... they capture the beauty and harsh environment of Alaska, as well as slices of life from a native Alaskan village. Even southern dwellers can see some of why those who love it do so. The story is clearly and simply told, with a very likeable heroine, and gave me shivers at the end... but it was really the illustrations that blew me away.