Whale Trails, Before and Now

Reviewed by: Patricia Temple - Long Island Community Library, Long Island, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 11, 2015

Review

This whale watching story is told by a young girl who is her father's first mate on his excursion boat, the Cuffee. Each event in the present day pleasure cruise, from passing out pamphlets at the start of the trip to cleaning the boat at its dusk return, is compared to a distant past's whaling voyage with the whales hunted as a valuable commodity. Each page shows a current day, colorful dock or boat scene with its description of the day's journey. The corresponding, facing page is done in sepia tones, evoking the past, and describes some similar aspect of life in the 1800's and the whaling industry. This makes the story easy to follow and enjoyable for present day readers to compare and contrast current and past harbor town lifestyles. Back matter includes a note about the Whaling Industry and the conservation status of whales. Also a glossary and further reading suggestions are included. This will hold interest for a variety of readers and the direct present/past illustrations will encourage multiple readings.

Overall Book Score: excellent