If You Want to See a Whale

To find a picture book that attempts to explore the patient, persistent and solitary pursuit at the heart of creativity is unusual; to find one that succeeds in making such an abstract process comprehensible to children is extraordinary....The author-illustrator team responsible for the bestselling And Then It's Spring has again produced something truly unique, melding a hypnotic text with translucent, light-filled illustrations that invite young readers to climb aboard, row diligently, keep looking and experience the wonder of the journey for themselves. --The Washington Post

Fogliano's words are carved and measured. This is a writer who takes her time, and the leaps she makes with language surprise and thrill. --The New York Times

A gorgeous love song to the imagination . . . It's breathtaking . . . Fans will be waiting. --Booklist, starred review

Readers will gape at the two enormous, whale-sized talents at work in this transfixing picture book. --Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Stead's pencil and linoleum prints--as delicate, understated, and imaginative as ever--take exciting creative license with Fogliano's expressive writing. --Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

The same pair that brought us And Then It's Spring (rev. 1/12) returns with a book that has a similar overall feel but a completely different story. . . this one takes on the possibility of imagination. --The Horn Book

Her [Stead's] work is often a study in composition, with horizon lines recurring like a chorus, counterpointed with subtle or strong diagonals and swoops. The whale itself is legitimately humongous yet also clearly wise and benign, politely presenting itself to the presumably well-pleased whale searchers. This could be an inducement to some imaginary eyes-shut travel, or just an offbeat choice for sending kids off to dreamland. --BCCB

Julie Fogliano is the author of the New York Times bestseller And Then It's Spring, as well as When's My Birthday? and When Green Becomes Tomatoes.

Erin E. Stead is co-creator of A Sick Day for Amos McGee, winner of the 2011 Caldecott Medal, and Bear has a Story to Tell. She also illustrated Julie Fogliano's And Then It's Spring and Lenny and Lucy.