Abigale the Happy Whale

by: Peter Farrelly; Illustrated by Jamie Rama

Published by: Little, Brown and Company (June 14 2006 Release)

Reviewed by Laura V. Hilton

All the humpback whales that live in Santa Monica are sad, except for Abigale the Happy Whale. Abigale thinks that her school is going on a trip to the beach. On the way, she meets up with all her sea friends who question her about why whales would be going to the beach.

Abigale helps her friends who have had their beds squished by things people throw into the ocean, or are hit on the head by golf clubs when they are tossed in the sea, or might have a tire stuck on their nose.

Finally, Abigale is fed up with all the questions, and she asks her school teacher why they were going to the beach. Her teacher explains that they aren't going to the beach, rather they are going to beach themselves so people will learn what pollution is doing to the ocean. This makes Abigale sad. Is there anything she can do that will teach humans about water pollution without the whales having to become beached?

Abigale the Happy Whale is a cute story for four-to eight-year-olds. It is written in an adorable, yet quirky manner, and the characters have unique names, such as, Golfin' Dolphin, or Wordsmith the Swordfish. The book had several instances in it that made even my fifteen-year-old laugh out loud, and it completely held the interest of my four-year-old daughter, who wanted me to read it over and over.

Abigale the Happy Whale is a wonderful way to teach children what pollution does to our oceans and how it affects the sea creatures. I recommend ABIGALE THE HAPPY WHALE for your favorite child.

Armchair Interviews says: The illustrations are colorful and well-done and Abigale the Happy Whale is guaranteed to keep your child engaged.