Whale Eyes by James Robinson

Whale Eyes

A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen

James Robinson

Penguin Young Readers Group · Print & ebook · March 18, 2025

From Emmy Award–winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes a breathtaking illustrated memoir for readers ages 10 and up—inspired by the viral, Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes.

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Who it’s for
An illustrated memoir makes the experience of seeing with strabismus tactile, intimate, and unexpectedly playful.
Themes
Living with strabismus, Disability and understanding, The power of words
Genres
Special Needs, Kids Biographies, Physical Disabilities

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About this book

From Emmy Award–winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes a breathtaking illustrated memoir for readers ages 10 and up—inspired by the viral, Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes.

Continue reading

WINNER OF THE SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD • AN ORBIS PICTUS RECOMMENDED BOOK • A BEST BOOK THE YEAR: School Library Journal, NPR, BCCB, New York Public Library, and Chicago Public Library Told through an experimental mix of intimate anecdotes and interactive visuals, this book immerses readers in James’s experiences growing up with strabismus, allowing them to see the world through one eye at a time. Readers will get lost as they chase words. They’ll stare into this book while taking a vision test. They’ll hold it upside down as they practice “pretend-reading”…and they’ll follow an unlikely trail toward discovering the power of words. With poignant illustrations by Eisner Award–nominated artist Brian Rea, James’s story equips readers of all ages with the tools to confront their discomfort with disability and turn confused, blank stares into powerful connections.

Seeing Sideways

An illustrated memoir makes the experience of seeing with strabismus tactile, intimate, and unexpectedly playful.

Come here for

  • Interactive visuals that invite you to chase words and try pretend-reading
  • A personal account of growing up with strabismus

Expect

  • An experimental blend of intimate anecdotes and illustrations
  • A thoughtful invitation to turn discomfort with disability into connection

Where it sits

Kids Biographies79%
Special Needs67%
Physical Disabilities47%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Kids Biographies
  • Special Needs
  • Inspiration & Personal Growth
Authors
James Robinson
Publisher
Penguin Young Readers Group
Published
March 18, 2025
Format
Print & ebook
Theme
Living with strabismus · Disability and understanding · The power of words
Reading lane
Kids Biographies