Deep

A young whale is born and learns to swim by his mother’s side as she cares for him and sings him lullabies. One day he spots a school of whales and is keen to join them, but his mother tells him it is too soon, he still has lots to learn. They set off on a long journey together sharing many special times and enjoying each other’s company. They also experience danger, but his mother teaches her calf to be brave. After years growing in deep waters the young whale is ready to return to the shallow waters of his youth, bigger and stronger. When the school of whales’ swim near again the young calf is ready to join them, and his mother, with sadness and pride, encourages him to swim free and her song of love follows him as she leaves.

This is a beautiful picture book with stunning pastel illustrations. The text is engaging and moving as we follow the mother and calf’s experiences. It is a story about love between a mother and child, growing up and letting go. There is also the message about ‘diving deep’ used here as a metaphor for navigating life’s ups and downs and finding the positive in any situation. This more abstract theme may be more meaningful to an older audience.