Staff Review: "if you want to see a whale" by Julie Fogliano

if you want to read a book
with wonder and quiet delight
you will need "a not-so-comfy chair 
and a not-too-cozy blanket
because sleeping eyes can't" read 
the beautiful and poetic
"if you want to see a whale" by Julie Fogliano

If you happened to miss Julie Fogliano's first book "and then it's spring," a lovely and lyrical story of the browns of early spring slowly creeping into the early green of a young garden, then it's time to catch up! Her second book, "if you want to see a whale,"  is now out, and it's a delight for eyes, the tongue, and the ear. We join forces with a little boy on a whale-hunting expedition, learning about the things not to look for if you want to see a whale.

"if you want to see a whale
be careful not to notice
something inching, small and green
across the leaf, just nibble scoot
because things that are smaller than most small things
can't be as giant as a whale"

After navigating the distraction of inch-worms and clouds, roses and sailboats, we are rewarded with a quite glimpse of a lovely blue whale.

"if you want to see a whale" is a perfect marriage of art and text, as Caldecott-winning artist Erin E. Stead illustrates this quiet voyage with simple, detailed and gorgeous  linoleum print and pencil pictures. It is sure to become a timeless classic that you'll want to read over and over again. And perhaps, if you are quiet and patient enough, you might be able to see a whale of your own. Great for pre-K to second grade.

--Andrea W. H.Q.