My dreams are filled with huge gliding shapes, swirling in turquoise waters. Whales- blue whales." ~Big Blue, Shelley Gill
My little sister, Margo, is a fish in the water, and she pointed at the cover of Big Blue by Shelley Gill as soon as I took it out of my backpack. I was lucky enough to get a signed copy when Shelley Gill came to talk to my school about writing, Alaska, and animals. She was out of this world and such an inspiration to me and my friends. I was happy to share my book with Margo, and I liked that I knew even more about the story from Shelley's presentation. Not only did Margo love looking at the illustrations, but we all learned a lot as we read the book over and over again. Now she wants to go swimming, and if she could have whales in the water with her, even better!
Big Blue is based on true events that happened to author, Shelley Gill, and her daughter, Kye. Kye was an expert on whales and spent time learning and dreaming about them. One day when Kye was almost nine she told her mom that she didn't want stuff anymore, she wanted experiences. What she wanted most of all was to swim with a blue whale. The water in their home state of Alaska was too cold, so Kye suggested Mexico. Since Shelley worked driving a boat for marine biologists, she said she'd see if it could be arranged. Before long, they're in Mexico and it looks like there's a chance for dreams to come true. But will a whale present itself to them? Even if one does, will they really be able to swim with it? Go on an adventure with Shelley and Kye and you'll start thinking of all the experiences you'd like to have!
I recommend this book to those who love learning. I came away knowing a lot more than I did when I started reading. Also, people who like adventures will enjoy taking this book journey. Anyone who wants to hear an amazing presentation should have Shelley Gill come to their school. You will not be disappointed! The kids at my school are still talking about her!
Happy Reading!
~F
Hello. Glad to be back with you.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a wonderful read that has so much to offer. Definitely a book I'll be recommending to my friend who has a whale mad little boy.
Hi Tracy- We missed you and are happy you are back.
DeleteThis is a fantastic book for a whale mad little boy. :) ~F
I like how Kye wanted experiences, not things. Sounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteBetty
Betty- Isn't that the best. Something we can all learn from! :) ~F
DeleteSounds like a wonderful book. Have a great weekend, and thanks for all the reviews you write for us! Much appreciated! Hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome, Valerie! Glad you enjoy the reviews. Have a lovely weekend! :) F
DeleteLovely! I love all about Whales...
ReplyDeleteGloria- Whales are amazing! :) F
DeleteSure sounds like a good one and she knows how to put on a presentation too, win all around.
ReplyDeletePat- Her presentation was full of humor and lots of scientific information. I also learned a lot of tips about how to write. If you ever get the chance to hear Shelley Gill talk- definitely do it! :) ~F
DeleteThose illustrations look wonderful. I'll have to put this one on the list for the grandboys!
ReplyDeleteCate- It is full of great information and a story that sparks adventure. :) F
DeleteI'll never forget when I was a kid and we were out in the Bay de Banderas in Mexico and a big Blue swam unexpectedly under our tiny dinghy. My grandma screamed more than I've ever heard anyone, thinking it would breach on top of us. It's still a family joke :) The whales are so amazing to watch!
ReplyDeleteMeradeth- I can totally imagine why your grandmother screamed! What an experience. Glad it all ended well and that it is a funny story for you all to look back on. :) ~F
DeleteWhales are so beautiful. I was so sad earlier this summer when a huge pod of pilot whales beached themselves in the South Island and barely any could be saved.
ReplyDeleteKate- Oh! That is so sad! ~F
DeleteLooks like a really cool book, whales are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBrenda- The book is so interesting and made me want to learn even more about whales. :) F
DeleteI remember the famous movie Big Blue... wasn't for kids, though
ReplyDeleteDezmond- Thanks for stopping by! :) F
DeleteHeidi- I would love to view more whales too. Cool that you saw some humpback whales last year. :) F
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
ReplyDeletePondering and pillaging are definitely not compatible. We need to do a great deal more of the first and stop the second.
Blogger refuses to allow me to comment on your latest post, so I am trying here.
EC- Sorry Blogger was being a pain. Thanks for commenting here. Glad you enjoyed our interview with Shelley and we couldn't agree with you more! :) ~F
DeleteThere is something wonderful about Whales.
ReplyDeleteLooks a very good book.
All the best Jan
Jan- Whales really are fascinating! :) ~F
DeleteSounds like a wonderful book! Thank you for the reviews you do!! Big Hugs!
ReplyDeleteMagic Love Crow- Big hugs back. Glad you enjoyed the review! :) ~F
DeleteThis is so precious it made us tear up. Love that she requested experiences over stuff. And to swim with the whales? Amazing. We have to have this book! Wonderful review :)
ReplyDelete~Michele & Mckenzie
Michele and Mckenzie- I love that her daughter requests experiences over stuff. Isn't that what life's all about! :) ~F
DeleteSounds really moving. It's rare for a child to ask for experiences instead of stuff. I'll have to check out Big Blue.
ReplyDeleteClaudine- I hope the story will inspire more kids to ask for experiences instead of stuff. :) ~F
DeleteI love it when something I am reading is inspired by a true story. It makes it all the more realistic and easy to imagine for me. And those illustrations sound gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteOlivia-Savannah- I think it is cool when stories are based on true stories too! :) ~F
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