PPBF – In the World of Whales

My fourteen-month-old granddaughter loves whales. She sleeps with a large stuffed whale and points out whales in board and picture books. When I saw today’s Perfect Picture Book, I had to find and read it (shhh. don’t tell her. It’s a surprise).

Title: In the World of Whales

Written By: Michelle Cusolito

Illustrated By: Jessica Lanan

Publisher/Date: Neal Porter Books/2025

Suitable for Ages: 4-8, and older

Themes/Topics: whales, free diving, nature, non-fiction, baby whale, sperm whales

Opening:

A small crew seeking sperm whales spots a clan huddled near the surface. What are they doing? The humans approach slowly.

Brief Synopsis: A free diver photographs a pod of whales moments after the youngest whale’s birth.

Links to Resources:

·      Discover more about free diving and whales in the fascinating back matter;

·      Learn more about sperm whales;

·      Try some free whale-themed crafts.

Why I Like this Book:

In the World of Whales has earned numerous starred reviews for good reason. The informative, lyrical text paired with the stunning illustrations make this a must read at homes and in classrooms.

Cusolito combines facts about free diving, ie, diving without an air tank, with facts about a sperm whale’s birth and the community of whales that celebrate it. With “egg-shaped eyes the size of tangerines” and “school-bus-big bodies”, the whales surround the diver as he moves closer to view the calf. I held my breath wondering whether the whales would attack the interloper photographing their newest member. Spoiler alert, they don’t. Instead, whales and man eye one another, and the whales introduce the man to the young whale.

I love how Cusolito ends many spreads with questions, urging readers to turn the page. I also love the inclusion of onomatopoeia as the diver exhales and inhales and the young whale surfaces to breathe, too. And the descriptions of the movement as slow and graceful make it seem like a dance, which is how the illustrations show it.

Many of the illustrations are in a color palette of blues and greys and aqua, except for a bright red inflatable boat. But Lanan pans in and out, and some pages include text against white backgrounds, so the book is anything but dark.

In the World of Whales is based on an encounter between two free divers and a pod of sperm whales with a newborn calf. Cusolito focuses on the experience of one of these divers and helps readers imagine what a life-changing experience this must have been.

A Note about Craft:

I mentioned above that Cusolito ends many spreads with questions which encourage readers to think about what they’ve just read and seen and discover the answers on the following spreads. This is a wonderful way to move the action forward and offers opportunities for adult readers to stop and ask young listeners what they think will happen.

This Perfect Picture Book entry is being added to Susanna Hill’s Perfect Picture Book list. Check out the other great picture books featured there!