A Whale of a Tale by Bill Kirk is an exciting rhyming sea tale of a young boy whose love of the sea and its animals leads to a life-saving mission that changes his life forever.
Will yearns to be a sea captain despite his mother’s misgivings. His brave father was lost in a gale, and she wishes to protect her only child from the same fate. But the sea calls to him, and at the age of twelve, Will signs on as a cabin boy. Little does he know that one act of kindness years ago will help him save the crew of two whaling ships when the sea rages into a frightening gale.
A twelve-chapter story told fully in rhyme, this touching adventure will capture young hearts. Following through on his goal to challenge the imagination of readers by exploring everyday life, A Whale of a Tale tells the story of a boy whose random act of kindness changed his life and the lives of his fellow crewmembers.
This amazing story is accompanied with black and white illustrations from award-winning artist KC Snider. Snider’s artwork has appeared in more than 70 books for children. She remains a favorite of mine.
Kirk provides a prologue and an epilogue built upon the history of whaling in the United States. He asks young readers to imagine what it might have been like to grow up in a whaling port. A glossary of terms is also provided.
This touching adventure is available in digital and print formats from your favorite online retailer. Grab a copy today!
Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who only has one request for Santa, Robert is confused about what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?
Kindertransport by Kena Sosa is the touching story of a young Jewish girl in Germany who gets onboard the Kindertransport train headed for England.
In the days before the outbreak of World War II, Helen finds herself trapped inside her house. Unable to understand why her family’s life has changed so suddenly, she worries as Vater’s mood changes and Mutter pretends she doesn’t like eggs simply so Helen will have enough to eat. Then one day, Mutter tells her to pack her suitcase so she can ride a train that will bring her to England until the danger is over.
Sosa has done a fabulous job of bringing to life the experiences of so many Jewish children in the days before the war started. She captures the emotions, the frustrations, the uncertainty Helen feels as life has changed. I’m sure the interviews she conducted with Jewish survivors helped flesh out the details, and it is that research that allowed her to create such an incredible story. An afterword shares more about Kindertransport, and a list of materials used in the research for the book is included.
Accompanying Sosa’s moving text are the black and white illustrations by Jeanne Conway. The burning of Vater’s bookstore, how Helen clings to her bunny as she packs, and the hope Helen feels as she holds on to the ship’s railing on her way to England are all brought to life by Conway.
Kindertransport might be one of the most stirring books I read this year. I highly recommend it to readers everywhere.
I caught up with Glenn from A Christmas Kindness in the mall parking lot and asked him a few questions.
How did you meet Robert?
I met Robert in line as we waited to talk with Santa. He bent over to tie his shoe, and when he stood up, he saw me.
What did he say to you?
He asked me my name. Then he asked me what I wanted for Christmas.
Did you tell him?
Yes, but he didn’t really understand why I planned to ask Santa for that special present.
How come?
Well, Robert had a long list of toys he wanted to ask Santa to bring him. He was surprised I wanted something else.
Did you talk more about what you wanted?
I explained about my mom and my brother. I think he understood after that. Not sure, though, because Santa called Robert over and we didn’t talk again.
What do you think Robert asked Santa for?
Don’t know, but he seemed really happy after he hopped off Santa’s lap.
Do you think you and Robert will find the gifts you asked Santa for under the Christmas tree tomorrow?
I hope so!
***
If you enjoyed our short character interview, I hope you’ll check out my book, A Christmas Kindness. The publisher released a second edition in 2020. The second edition includes discussion questions, activities, crafts, and more! Here is more about the book:
Title: A CHRISTMAS KINDNESS Author: Cheryl C. Malandrinos Publisher: 4RV Publishing Pages: 52 Genre: First Chapter Reader
BOOK BLURB:
Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who only has one request for Santa, Robert is confused about what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?
PRAISE
It is not often that a simple children’s book can nearly bring me to tears, but this one succeeded. There is nothing better than reading a story at Christmastime that reminds you that there are still good people and good kids in the world. This is one heartwarming Christmas story that you and your kids can read and enjoy. It will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas, and I believe that the author’s purpose is accomplished.
– Ruth, Amazon Reviewer
Robert can’t wait to see Santa. He’s got a pile of stuff he wants to ask for. Then he meets Glenn in line, and Robert himself gets to play Santa. I was touched by the main character’s transformation after he came in contact with someone in real need. The glow he walks away with can’t be bought, and he’ll never find it under the Christmas tree, but it’s the heart of the season that he’s found. Nicely illustrated, enjoyable story for readers of all ages.
“Oh, when will we get there?” whispered Robert from the backseat of his mother’s car. He fiddled with the pull on his coat. The wipers brushed aside the snow falling on the windshield.
As they arrived, lines of cars streamed in and out of the mall parking lot. Robert peered over his mother’s shoulder and saw her white-knuckled grip on the steering wheel. She huffed as she scanned the parking lot for an empty space. He wiggled around, but his seat belt kept him secure.
Inside the mall, Christmas music and the tinkling of jingle bells tickled Robert’s ears. With his mother, Robert weaved through the crowd of shoppers. He smelled fried food from Burger Mart. The sweet scent of warm chocolate chip cookies from the bakery made his mouth water.
Robert’s shoulders drooped when he saw how many kids waited to see Santa. There were babies, some crying and struggling to get out of their mother’s arms. Little kids, many younger than eight-year-old Robert, clung to their father’s pants or jumped up and down as they waited their turn.
“This is going to take forever!”
About the Author
Cheryl C. Malandrinos is a freelance writer and editor. She is the author of four children’s books including, A Christmas Kindness, released by 4RV Publishing. A member of SCBWI, she is blogger and book reviewer. She lives in Massachusetts with her husband and two daughters. She also has a son who is married.
The virtual book tour for A Christmas Kindness starts Monday, November 1. Here is more about the book:
BOOK BLURB:
Eight-year-old Robert is eager to share his wish list with Santa at the mall on Christmas Eve. When he meets Glenn, who only has one request for Santa, Robert is confused about what he should do. Can he cast aside what he wants and ask Santa to bring his new friend a special gift?
PRAISE
It is not often that a simple children’s book can nearly bring me to tears, but this one succeeded. There is nothing better than reading a story at Christmastime that reminds you that there are still good people and good kids in the world. This is one heartwarming Christmas story that you and your kids can read and enjoy. It will remind you of the true meaning of Christmas, and I believe that the author’s purpose is accomplished.
– Ruth, Amazon Reviewer
Robert can’t wait to see Santa. He’s got a pile of stuff he wants to ask for. Then he meets Glenn in line, and Robert himself gets to play Santa. I was touched by the main character’s transformation after he came in contact with someone in real need. The glow he walks away with can’t be bought, and he’ll never find it under the Christmas tree, but it’s the heart of the season that he’s found. Nicely illustrated, enjoyable story for readers of all ages.
The Children's and Teens' Book Connection 