I Know the Whale by Robin Yardi

I Know the Whale

Hardcover – Picture Book, April 1, 2025

Robin Yardi

little bee books · Hardcover · April 1, 2025

When a little girl discovers a beached blue whale, the biggest mammal on earth teaches her some of the largest lessons in life, about the beauty in all things big or small.

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Who it’s for
Children exploring grief and big feelings through a picture book.
Themes
Grief and loss, Scientific and spiritual questions, Beauty in life and death
Pacing
Reflective

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About this book

When a little girl discovers a beached blue whale, the biggest mammal on earth teaches her some of the largest lessons in life, about the beauty in all things big or small. I know the whale lived. I know the whale sang. But when it washes ashore, the whale isn't singing anymore. The little girl doesn't know how to feel, and Papa tries to answer all her questions about it. Time passes, and the whale, and Papa, aren't there anymore.

Continue reading

But when it's announced that the whale's bones will be displayed at the local museum, she knows she has to see it again. And even though it's gone, she knows that the whale is still just as beautiful as all the quiet wonderings she has about where it might be now. This poignant picture book touches on the grief and beauty of death and loss, wonder at the scientific and spiritual unknown, and the space to embrace big questions and feelings.

Where it sits

Loss & Grief91%
Marine Life75%
Big Feelings47%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Marine Life
  • Loss & Grief
  • Big Feelings
Authors
Robin Yardi
Publisher
little bee books
Published
April 1, 2025
Format
Hardcover
Theme
Grief and loss · Scientific and spiritual questions · Beauty in life and death
Reading lane
Marine Life