Following Papa's Song

Starred review from January 27, 2014
When the whales make the long migration to their summer feeding ground, first-timer Little Blue is full of questions that betray his anxieties about the journey. His huge, even-tempered Papa is the picture of reassurance, explaining that whales have been migrating “for years upon years,” and even if Little Blue gets lost (which he does, carried away by the beauty of the ocean and a burgeoning sense of adventure), he need only listen for Papa’s special song. In this thematic companion to 2012’s Meet Me at the Moon, Marino’s writing is solemn and earnest (“Papa’s voice echoed across the sea, through the liquid light and deep into the mysterious black”), but her gouache illustrations are exuberant and gorgeous, with a parchmentlike texture that captures dappling sunlight, murky depths, and the endless energy of the current. This visual eloquence carries over to her portrayal of father and son, as wells: even though the whales are seen almost exclusively in profile, their soulful eyes exude unconditional love and a faith in the forces of nature. Ages 3–5. Agent: Deborah Warren, East/West Literary Agency.

Starred review from April 1, 2014
A young whale awaits the call for his first migration with a mix of concern and anticipation, but Papa's strong reassuring presence and sage advice make for an exhilarating journey. Little Blue is eager to know how far they will travel, how they will know where to go and how to swim so quickly as they await the signal from other whales. Papa's wise replies teach as well as comfort. When Little Blue hears a sound from afar, Papa signals for them to begin the long swim to their summer feeding ground. "Papa's voice echoed across the sea, through the liquid light and deep into the mysterious black." Marino's text has a lyrical quality that pairs beautifully with the magical mixed-media illustrations created with gouache and textured paper. By varying the perspective in the spreads, she conveys the vastness of the ocean to children. On one, the father and child look rather small moving through a great expanse of turquoise blues, while on another, a close-up of the whales' faces emphasizes the warm intimacy between the pair. Dramatic changes in color signal emotional shifts in the story. This beautifully executed book about the bond between father and child that can be as deep as the darkest sea and powerful enough to help navigate in times of trouble will resonate with readers both young and old. (Picture book. 3-6)

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Starred review from March 1, 2014

PreS-Gr 3-Little Blue, a young humpback whale, is worried about his first long migration up the coast, and he is scared he will be separated from Papa in the big ocean. As with human families on adventures, Little Blue has many questions that need to be answered and needs to be reassured that everything will be fine. What will they see on their journey? Can Little Blue keep up? How will they know the way? What is down below in the dark areas? Little Blue continues to ask questions, the most pressing of which is "what if I get lost?" Papa reminds him to listen for his song as they travel. But can Little Blue hear Papa's song? Stunning artwork takes readers into the lush, inviting waters filled with marine life swimming effortlessly across the pages. The blend of text and vivid mixed-media illustrations make this original story a heartwarming reminder of how children learn to trust and listen for papas' songs in our lives. This is a story for all ages to enjoy. What a wonderful way to use science in the lower grades. A top choice for any library.-Janene Corbin, Rosebank Elementary School, Nashville, TN

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2014
Preschool-G Little Blue the whale and Papa are preparing to journey to their summer feeding ground. Little Blue is full of questions ( But Papa? How will we know which way to go? ), all of which Papa answers with patience. And Papa assures him that the song of the whales will always serve as his guide. When Little Blue's curiosity leads him astray, he learns the wisdom of his father's words. Appearing on full-bleed, double-page spreads depicting the vastness of the ocean, Little Blue and Papa seem simultaneously mammoth yet tiny. The shifting colors of the underwater worldpeaceful green, sun-drenched yellow, unexpected pinkgive the impression that the whales are moving through a rainbow, until Little Blue finds himself so deep that color is almost nonexistent. A gorgeous, comforting book that provides a lovely counterpoint to Marino's Meet Me at the Moon (2012).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)