Charlie’s Whale (Libby Gleeson, illus by Hannah Sommerville, Lothian)
Distinguished writer Libby Gleeson and CBCA-shortlisted illustrator Hannah Sommerville have successfully collaborated on Charlie’s Whale, a picture book that is destined for awards, and for popularity with children aged two to five years, as it affectionately explores that phase in a child’s life when they are single-mindedly preoccupied with something. Charlie is the middle child. The siblings love playing at the beach but, while his brothers have other interests, Charlie is obsessed with sea creatures, particularly whales. He is desperate to see a live whale, and spends his time reading, imagining and playing with his toy whale. When his patient mother suggests that whales are too far away to see, Charlie hones his long-distance vision by practising ‘spotting things far away’, and finally achieves his desire. Somerville’s illustrations of digitally layered watercolour, gouache, pencil and ink enhance the story through assured portrayal of the lively boys, the colours and light of the beach, and the rounded lines that echo the whale-shape. The subtle humour and hints of the longed-for whale in the illustrations create ongoing surprises. Charlie’s Whale is an ideal read for those who treasure Freya Blackwood’s picture books and Magic Beach by Alison Lester.
Joy Lawn has worked for independent bookshops and blogs at PaperbarkWords.
