Anna Pignataro, The Heart of a Whale, Scholastic Australia, August 2018, 32 pp., $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9781743817629
My first impression of this new picture book, The Heart of A Whale, was that the artwork was stunningly soft; sometimes moody, sometimes calming. The text, which follows this same vibe, allows the reader to follow the whale’s journey through the ocean filled with dark and light, life and emptiness.
The story is about a whale who sings beautifully to the environment it lives in, and despite being surrounded by other creatures still feels lonely. This is a situation most people will experience at one point or another in their lives. Of course, in the end, the whale finds a friend, or rather the friend finds the whale after following a ‘wish’.
The imagery of the ocean as a place to feel lost or alone is very apt. We commonly use the phrase ‘a fish out of water’ for someone who doesn’t fit in or is out of place, a human in the ocean might be another metaphor to describe such a situation.
While reading this story parents might want to focus on encouraging their children to stay positive in difficult, lonely times, but also the importance of being that friend who seeks out and helps others who are struggling. It could be a chance to talk about what a true friend looks like and how to be one.
