Sail away, save a whale: ocean awareness in children’s books and picture books

Abstract

This article discusses two children's books, The Whale Watchers (2022), written by Dougie Poynter and illustrated by Amberin Huq, and Calling the Whales (2023), written by Jasbinder Bilan and illustrated by Skylar White, as well as one picture book, The Tale of the Whale (2022), written by Karen Swann and illustrated by Padmacandra. Highlighting the relationship between children and whales, the article draws upon ecocriticism and ecology in the context of children’s literature. Arguing that these narratives present both species as climate activists, the article also explores the significance of the text, not only for the purpose of exposing environmental issues, but by also contributing to environmental literacy and pedagogy. This article aims to conclude that whales’ representation throughout the narratives bestows ocean awareness, leading the children to experience and engage with the sea.