Linda Roberts (text) Bruce Potter (illustrations). The Whale Savers: returning Wēra to the ocean. New Holland, 1 February 2015, $NZ 19:99(pbk), 32pp., ISBN 978-1-86966-431-2
What is remarkable when you open this picture book is the illustrative style. It seems to be a blend of computer application perhaps using photo shop in the foreground with a soft focus use of art in the background. It certainly heightens a sense of realism which is entirely appropriate given the story focus.
When Tama stands with his grandmother overlooking Shoal Bay, he notices a large black shape on the beach below: a stranded whale. With a good use of bi-lingual (Māori and English) text, the storyteller proceeds to describe in detail the story of the rescue of Wēra (the whale). Supported by the wisdom and direction of his grandmother, Tama races off to a local village and all come together to focus on the whale’s survival.
Sadly, this is a common occurrence in different coastal areas (as the peritext gives factual detail and supporting facts and bibliographies) where sometimes a whole cohort of up to 200 whales are beached (as for example on Farewell Spit February 13 2015). One never knows when one is called to help if you live on a coastal space. As in real life, a waiata is sung given that, for Māori nature is infused with spirit. Tohora nui, tohora roa…tohora piupiua, e kau an ate moana (Big whale, long whale…wave your tail whale, swimming in the ocean).
What would have really added value to this picture book would be a CD of this song played softly in the background as the teacher/parent shares the story and explores at the end, further information. Recommended.
reviewed by John McKenzie