This Morning I Met A Whale

Michael Morpurgo (author)
Christian Birmingham (illustrations)

Walker, UK: 2008; 80pp

ISBN: 9781406306460 

Genres: adventure, animal stories, fantasy, realistic fiction

Issues: conservation, environment

Michael, a young boy who enjoys watching the many birds that live along the banks of the Thames River in London, is astonished to meet a whale.

He'd gone out for an early wander and the sudden departure of enormous flocks of birds drew his attention to the whale's presence.

Fearful for the whale's safety, Michael goes as close as he can to the great mammal - only to find that this is a very special beast, with an urgent message for the young boy. Can Michael keep his promise and ‘tell the world' as the whale asks? And will this unique creature survive the enormous risk he took to get the message across? More importantly still - will humanity heed the warning?

Published in an unusual size and format, Morpurgo's haunting novella is beautifully illustrated by the talented Christian Birmingham. Evocative pastels capture the early light on the Thames, the delicate shape of the bird, the sad sights and memories the whale shares with Michael. Amongst the muted tones, Michael's red sweater and a single white egret (rare in England) stand out, colours and images of passion and hope.

Morpurgo's prose is lyrical, as always. He has a rare gift for crafting compelling narratives about universal themes in ways that arouse compassion in young readers. Invariably following a strong environmental theme, Morpurgo seeks to save the world through its children - one reader at a time.

Highly recommended.