Humphrey, the Lost Whale: A True Story [Hardcover]

Wendy Tokuda (Author), Richard Hall (Author), Hanako Wakiyama (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up

Describes how a migrating humpback whale mistakenly entered the San Francisco Bay in 1985 and swam sixty-four miles inland before being led back to the sea by people concerned for his welfare.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3 A light-hearted approach to the problem of beached whales, Humphrey's story allows librarians to give a happy ``yes'' to that often asked question, ``Is this a true story?'' A humpback whale makes a wrong turn in San Francisco Bay and finds himself trapped in the fresh water of Sacramento River. With the help of scientists and whale watching friends, he makes his way back to the safety of his salty ocean home. Notes give more details about Humphrey's ordeal that began in October 1985, lasted almost a month, and cost $80,000 for rescue efforts. Children can trace Humphrey's journey on the endpaper map. The watercolor illustrations are cleverly peopled with whale watchers of all ages who watch from their boats, from atop bridges, and from the banks as Humphrey splashes and spouts his way through the pages. For older children, Goldner & Vogel's Humphrey the Wrong-Way Whale (Dillon, 1987) is another factual account; it has photographs. Betty Craig Campbell, Brewton Elementary School, Ala.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Heian Intl Pub Co (October 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0893462705
• ISBN-13: 978-0893462703
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,241,411 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best whale "true story.", October 26, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Humphrey the Lost Whale (Paperback)

The kind of book you think of when you're looking for a good whale story. Lots of personality and drama, and a super read-aloud for kids even as young as 4. Another fun whale story is The Whale Comedian, which is more humorous and whimsical, but, like Humphrey, shows what kids like most: how we can be friends with these exciting sea creatures.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome Book!!!, February 19, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Humphrey the Lost Whale (Paperback)

The kids I used to babysit used to demand that I read this one incessantly. Very well-written, well-illustrated and cute.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humphrey the lost whale, November 1, 2004

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Humphrey the Lost Whale (Library Binding)

I think this book is good because it is a true story about a lost humpback whale that goes into the Sacramento River. I like this book because we are studying marine mammals in class.