Customer Reviews

Isabel of the Whales

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(0)
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"Fantasy and reality merge in this aquatic coming-of-age adventure with a
compelling ecological message. When her 5th-grade class goes on a whale
watch, 11-year-old Isabel falls overboard as a congregation of whales
surrounds the boat. Instead of drowning, Isabel finds herself very much
alive as she morphs into a whale.

Adopted by a pod of humpbacks, Isabel
discovers she is their 'Chosen One'
who 'will stay long enough to learn, and to fulfill her task.' Initially,
Isabel misses her human family, but gradually the ocean becomes home.
The whales teach her underwater survival as they migrate from North Pole to equator. In return, Isabel engineers some
lifesaving tricks of her own. But after a year, Isabel must make a wrenching
choice between land and sea.

To Velmans's credit, the improbable seems
probable through the eyes and voice of her down-to-earth heroine. Watch out Little Mermaid, here comes Isabel." (Delacorte/Random House Children's
Books)

Kirkus

Isabel of the Whales is a wonderfully satisfying flight of fantasy that lets the imagination take off while also striking deeper, more realistic chords as it delves into themes of love of family and friends and awareness of the environment. I was thoroughly caught up in this beautifully written novel. At times as fun and playful as the whales, it also manages to segue seamlessly into exciting and page-turning episodes that show the dangers that whales face from nature and human activity. Recommend it highly for kids and adults alike!

This book was amazing. I read it with my seven year old daughter. We both couldn't wait to read some more the next night. My daughter learned a ton about whales and the writing was fabulous. Wonderful, imaginative, creative book. I hope she writes some more.

In this book a girl named Isabel went on a whale watch with her class. She fell overboard and turned into a whale! The whales told Isabel that she was The Chosen One. There were other Chosen Ones before her. The humpback whales went to another part of the ocean which they call Home. A storm hits on the way there. The humpback whales call themselves Sirens. A humpback whale (or as they call themselves Sirens) named Onijonah had a baby whale, otherwise known as a calf. On the way back Isabel manages to stop a whaling ship.

When you turn into another animal you sometimes appreciate what you have more than you used to. Isabel had that experience and appreciated everything more.

This book is exiting. I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. If you want to read an exhilarating book about whales I recommend Isabel of the Whales!

Isabel of the Whales quickly pulls the reader into an exciting marine fantasy adventure. This book would be great to use in the classroom to introduce a unit on marine life since there are many facts woven into the story. At the same time, students can use this book as a mentor text to learn how an author can use information to create and deepen the interest in a story. Along with a high interest story line, amazing descriptions captivate the reader, such as whales meeting each other for the first time, whale play, being in the ocean during a storm, witnessing a whale birth. As a teacher and librarian I highly recommend this book.

With Isabel, imagine swooping through the ocean with large, friendly whales! Imagine having them understand you (as even your best human friends don't, quite). As she practices living as a whale, Isabel also learns some important human skills as well. This wonderfully playful book rings true in its treatment of a young girl's relationships with friends and teachers and family members, her awakening interest in boys (even if they are boy-whales), and her growth in compassion and awareness.

I wanted to let the author know how much I enjoyed the book! The story was both creative and interesting. I really liked Isabel, both as a girl and as a whale. The book was very well written in that immediately I could relate to Isabel, her family, and friends, etc. almost as if I had known them for a while or, on the other hand, that I could picture myself (as a kid) in the book. I found living with the whales to be very interesting too. I have to say I learned a lot about whales that I never knew before.

Another terrific aspect of the book is that it was fun to read while also being a learning adventure. The author did a great job of intertwining her research into the story. I think it was an excellent book for kids and grown-ups alike.

This was such a great book. The writing was fabulous, I really believed that this young girl was transformed into a whale.
It's rare that i find an original story but this was definietly fresh and exciting. great for any girl between the ages of 10 and 12. A must have for anyone who loves whales!

For someone who knows very little about all the different species of whales and their habitat, this book is a "must read". With time to relax and read, I highly recommend Isabel of the Whales for a great and intriguing summer read. Once you begin the book, it is hard to put down. Isabel is a girl that many young teen girls will look up to and admire. As an older reader, I found this book interesting, exciting, sad and joyful. Hester Velmanns has done an outstanding job in educating the public about a population of whales that many know very little about.

The two books by Hester Velmans in the whale series - I certainly hope it is a series, with more to follow - are not just for kids. A friend recommended them to me when the second book, Jessaloup's Song, was published, but I would certainly urge one to read Isabel of the Whales as well. Isabel, the main character, is a strong, versatile and mysterious young girl who is besotted with whales. The truth for this is not made apparent until well into the amazing climax of the second book, but it is one exciting ride.
These books, while appealing to youngsters, are satisfying for adult tastes as well. These are books about conflict, powerful emotions, and transformation, as well as addressing some key issues about the planet.
Well done, Hester Velmans.
Please write more.
We need to know what happens next to Isabel and Jessaloup.