The Whale Watchers

Before starting this book, I’d already heard quite a bit about it in the press and social media, so I was really looking forward to reading it myself and it did not disappoint.

It’s the first day of the summer holidays and Finn and his little brother Jesse have had a long train journey to the north of Scotland with their marine biologist mum, where she will be studying Minke whales out at sea for the next six weeks. Whilst very proud of the work his mum does, a recent sad incident involving a Minke whale stuck in the River Thames has left Finn feeling that trying to do anything to stop climate change is just pointless, when nothing they do will make a difference.

At first all Finn can think about is how all his school friends have flown off abroad to sunnier countries, while he has ended up somewhere where it’s always raining, but Jesse is more excited about their holiday destination and is desperate to spot a humpback whale for himself. Exploring the beaches nearby, the brothers bump into local resident Skye and her dog Rain, who once she learns that they’re not just uncaring tourists, shares both her binoculars and her secret look out point.  After spotting something disturbing happening on one of the beaches, the trio soon find themselves caught up in an unforgettable race against time adventure to help save a whale and come to realise that if everyone tries, we can all make a difference.

Recent research has shown that a large majority of young children are extremely concerned about climate change and the future of our planet, particularly how plastic pollution is impacting the seas around the world. Dougie Poynter, himself a keen conservationist, has created a charming tale, interwoven with non-preachy practical tips and suggestions of how we can all do something, no matter how small, to try and create a better world around us. The back of the book contains a fascinating ‘Science behind the story’ section, which explains more about whales, pollution and human impact on the planet. There is also a glossary of new terms and words used, which is perfect to help with discussions both at home and in the classroom and I learned so many interesting facts – who knew that whales have magic poo?

This is a must-read book that needs to be in all homes, schools and libraries.