Can You Share, Little Whale?

Praise

Author-illustrator Lambert showcases the varieties of sharing through this tale of a baby whale, which follows a pod of northbound humpbacks. The illustrations—layered blues and whites done in collage texture—will give readers the feeling of traveling along with Little Whale and her mother through the ocean depths. Conflicts and frustrations arise along the way, though. Little Whale wants to lead the pod, but so does her friend Blue. Little Whale’s mother suggests they take turns, but Little Whale refuses and beats a sulky retreat. When a tasty-looking school of silvery fish swims overhead, huge gannets (a type of seabird) swoop in, screaming, “MINE! MINE! MINE!” Little Whale is enlightened by a wise turtle in the coral reef on how its inhabitants all share. As Little Whale navigates the challenges of taking turns as well as sharing resources and even her mother’s love with Blue (who wants to swim next to Little Whale’s mother), this story shows how difficult—and rewarding—sharing can be. –Booklist