by Rachel Delahaye
Published by Troika Books
Map by Rachel Ward
Cover Art / Design by Anna Morrison
We definitely shouldn't be judging any book by its cover but that doesn't mean we can't admire the cover! I LOVE it!!
This eye-catching piece of ART by Anna Morrison is FANTASTIC!
It might not happen very often but sometimes you start reading & just get the feeling that a story is really going to be something extra special.
I truly believe this is one of those books.
I hope it makes its way into every school & library.
If you've read any other books by Rachel Delahaye, you'll know there's definitely not going to be anything ordinary about the story or characters.
Her Mort the Meek series (three titles published) explores another unparalleled environment, original ideas & takes us on crazy twists & turns all the way through. There's a special skill required to draw readers in so easily & the fresh, other-worldly style in Day of the Whale does just that.
This unique story effortlessly pulls your whole heart into the pages - the writing style invites you to stay, discover more about the characters & be completely immersed in their intriguing world.
The island of Cetacea (pronounced Si-tay-sha) is a fascinating setting for this adventure & provides the perfect backdrop. Cetacea has survived 3 terrible floods & appears to be the only remaining island anywhere.
To keep order on the island everyone follows the rules & has a job in areas that keep everything running smoothly such as Hygiene, Harvest, Whale Work and Sand Work amongst others. Eating meals together is also a rule.
Luxuries of our modern society, the 'Long Ago', are gone. The only screen & microphone (considered relics from the past) are in the town square where Byron - the only one who can interpret the Whale God's wishes - speaks to everyone.
Working age starts at just 7 years old & Cam (now 13) has always worked in the Kelp District, cleaning seaweed of all microplastics & other pollution before it's replanted in the clean sea gardens. It's an epic project but the people of Cetacea all work together to bring about the positive changes the environment desperately needs. But things aren't quite that simple.
Cam is passionate & ambitious with an emotional maturity that perhaps morphed immeasurably after the disappearance of his father three long years ago. Sometimes life's path itself teaches our subconscious how to cope. The last words Cam heard from his father were “Follow Big Blue. Find the Truth.” This story explores many elements including friendship, trust, environmental concern, freedom & speaking up for yourself. We all need to be able to ask questions but should also encourage everyone else to ask questions too.
Our three main characters grow to realise they're stronger working together to solve the huge multi-strand mystery surrounding their lives.
It's so refreshing to discover a story that is truly different. Being set in what was originally Australia there's a specific & fascinating set of supporting threads including Aboriginal traditions, flora & fauna, local wildlife, names & language.
With secrets baked into the fabric of this adventure as if fused by the sun itself, Cam has to really think outside his usual ordered & blinkered world. How can 3 children convince the rest of Cetacea to listen? Who are the Watchers & why doesn't anyone question the rules?
This is a brilliant story with clever details, clues & twists throughout. In schools this would be a great class read, offering endless topics for art, discussion, international studies, environmental crisis awareness, creative writing & more.
Day of the Whale is also recommend for home bookshelves, library loans & reading groups. I'm sure it's one that will be read time & time again.