Little Hector and the Big Blue Whale

Little Hector and the Big Blue Whale

Author: Ruth Paul

Publisher: Penguin Random House

ISBN: 978-0-14-377152-4

RRP: $18.99

Format: Paperback

Date of Publication: 3 September 2018

Ages: 3- 9

Reviewer’s name: Trish Nash

Reviewer’s Job title: Deputy Principal and Teacher in charge of the Library

Reviewer’s School name: Corinna School

How highly are you recommending this book? Highly recommended

This is both a delightful story of an adventurous little dolphin and a book that could launch an inquiring young mind into an exploration of our marine environment and its inhabitants. Certainly a visit to the beach at least.

The first sentence hooks the young reader in; “Hector was a small but daring dolphin.” The author uses some great language like “feisty flip”, and “the water exploded”. It is fun to read. As the story unfolds it provokes many wonderings and predictions. What adventures are afoot for Hector? Will he heed the advice of those bigger dolphins? Has he remembered his mother’s warning? Will he escape the clutches of the Orca? Is the Blue whale a friend or foe?

This is also the story of an unlikely friendship between the biggest creature in the sea and one of the smallest dolphins. It also has a happy ending with a nice message to take away.

The illustrations support the story and add detail and interest. As well, the information on the back cover, “All about the Hector’s dolphin”, is thought provoking. I enjoyed this book.