Whitney Rides the Whale with Jonah: And Learns She Can't Run Away (Emerald Bible Collection) [Paperback]

Therese Johnson Borchard (Author), Wendy VanNest (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1999 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 3 and up | Series: Emerald Bible Collection

Sure to pull readers in from the very first page, this book introduces Whitney Bickham as she's trying to handle--all at once--her beloved grandmother's death, the family move from Michigan to Chicago, and a brand new school. Whitney's solution? She'll run away. Before she does, she opens the Emerald Bible for the first time since her grandmother died, hoping to recapture some of the wisdom Nana always found there for her. With the turn of a page, Whitney is thrust into the real-life adventure of Jonah, who's trying to run away from his duties as a preacher. Whitney and her dog Bailey accompany Jonah on his journey--from the storm-tossed ship, to the belly of the whale, to the sinful city of Nineveh. She learns it's impossible to run away but that God will always be with her, even during the most frightening hours.

Illustrated throughout with lively black-and-white drawings, these two exciting, fun-filled books and the Emerald Collection titles to follow-- --present the best-loved Bible stories with immediacy and impact --show the relevancy of Biblical lessons to today's situations --encourage family values, tradition, and intergenerational dialogue --tap the large and profitable middle-grade market --can be enjoyed by kids 8 to 12 of all Christian denominations --will have snowballing sales as later readers eagerly seek out the earlier Whitney adventures, as well as clamor for what happens next Recommend this series to-- o parents and grandparents o parochial school teachers o home schools o CCD teachers o directors of religious ed o parishes o gift buyers o girls aged 8 to 12

Editorial Reviews

Review

A fun ride inside the belly of a whale, alongside Whitney, her dog Bailey, and the prophet Jonah. -- Patricia Fischer, Editor, Catechist

Great reading with a purpose. Get the whole series. Absolutely. -- The Catechist's Connection

It offers biblical imagery and truths to comfort and strengthen them as they face new situations. -- Rev. Bob Bonnet, Senior Vice President, Odyssey Network

Paulist Press has an excellent series on Bible stories for the Harry Potter age group. -- Mississippi Catholic

The stories are interesting and imaginative, and kids will enjoy them and benefit from the lessons. -- Catholic Parent

About the Author

Therese Johnson Borchard has always been inspired by the wisdom of the Bible. As a young child, especially, she was intrigued by biblical characters and awed by their courage. She pursued her interest in religion throughout college and obtained an M.A. in theology from the University of Notre Dame. In her pamphlets and other books, she creatively retells the great stories of the Judeo-Christian tradition.

Wendy VanNest began drawing as a small, fidgety child seated beside her father in church. He gave her his bulletin to scribble on to help her keep still during the service. People around them began donating their bulletins, asking her for artwork, and at the end of the service, an usher would always give her his carnation boutonniere. As a result of this early encouragement, she has pursued her interest and passion in art and has been drawing ever since. She resides in Oxford, MD.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 80 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809166631
• ISBN-13: 978-0809166633
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,998,370 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Therese Borchard is the author of hit daily blog "Beyond Blue" on Beliefnet.com, one of the most popular columns on the site. Her blog appears weekly on The Huffington Post, and she is becoming a top go-to expert in pop psychology. Her work has recently been cited in the Wall Street Journal and USA Today.Her work has been featured in salon.com, Psychology Today, Real Simple, Redbook, Parenting,More and Ladies Home Journal.Borchard writes a syndicated column for the Catholic News Service and is a regular guest on Sirius Satellite Radio.She is the author of I Love Being a Mom (a Target selection) and co-author of I Like Being Catholic.She resides in Annapolis, Maryland with her husband and two young children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I really loved the Emerald Bible series., October 6, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Whitney Rides the Whale with Jonah: And Learns She Can't Run Away (Emerald Bible Collection) (Paperback)

"Whitney Rides The Whale With Jonah" teaches young minds that the Bible is not only a book, but a place that you can go for answers on lifes struggles. I have read all three of the available Emerald Bible Series books, and they have all touched my heart. I cannot wait till the next book is available.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Whitney!, September 15, 2010

By 

januarysend - See all my reviews

This review is from: Whitney Rides the Whale with Jonah: And Learns She Can't Run Away (Emerald Bible Collection) (Paperback)

The unique concept of the Emerald Bible sends dauntless 5th grader Whitney on both an inner and outer journey. She learns from her Nana that Bible stories are not only wonderful stories of faith and triumph in themselves, but if studied thoughtfully, may also aid her in facing modern problems in her own life. A special touch is the idea that Nana's spirit will be always be there to help her. This is a comforting thought for a child going through difficult changes, such as a new family home and new school. One of the strengths of this book is its simplicity. When Whitney finds herself back in Ancient Nineveh with Jonah, everyone speaks English and because her dog is able to go with her, she's not afraid. Jonah quickly recognizes her gifts of loyalty and courage, and accepts her as an equal. I think it is helpful if a child is already familiar with the Jonah story before reading this book, as there are the parallel threads to follow--Whitney's story and Jonah's story. The illustrations and graphics in the book are detailed and charming. I recommend this book highly for both girls and boys 8-12 who know the Jonah story. Parents will be inspired, too!

5.0 out of 5 stars Religious fantasy at its best., September 27, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Whitney Rides the Whale with Jonah: And Learns She Can't Run Away (Emerald Bible Collection) (Paperback)

I read the author's WHITNEY SEWS JOSEPH'S MANY COLORED COAT and looked forward to this one. It is just as good, a wonderful story for children that combines biblical wisdom with adventure. A great entertainment for children!