A mother and child, standing on a shoreline, see a humpback whale and its newborn calf. The story follows the calf as it grows and learns under the protective guidance of its mother. Written with a call-and-response pattern, the story is told by the child, who, at regular intervals, compares the calf’s learning to their own, demonstrating similarities like blowing bubbles, splashing in water, jumping in the air, and singing, all with the support of a loving mother. Through its lyrical prose and full-page colour illustrations, the story introduces young readers to the behaviours and features of the humpback whale, with the focal point being the strong bond between mother and calf through the first few months of the calf’s life. The final two pages provide more detailed facts about humpback whales, with specific information about their life cycle and the rapid growth and change of their calves.

40 pp., 9 × 11", colour illustrations

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Beryl Young is the author of the best-selling young adult novel Wishing Star Summer (Raincoast, 2001). The book was on the Victoria Times Colonist BC Children’s Bestseller list for twenty-six weeks, was named to Our Choice book by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, and received nominations for the Red Cedar Award (BC), the Chocolate Lily Award (BC) and the Diamond Willow Award (SK). Young is a member of the Federation of BC Writers, the Children’s Writers and Illustrators of BC, the Writers Union of Canada, and the Canadian Society of Authors, Illustrators and Performers. In the autumn of 2009, she published, to great acclaim, Charlie: A Home Child’s Life in Canada (Key Porter). She has a passion for elephants and for India, where she has travelled three times in an unsuccessful search for her real life pen pal. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. Beryl has three children and four grandchildren.

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“[Young's] lovely, soaring language ... reflects great admiration and wonder for all humpback whales ... A true homage to these wondrous creatures.”
—Kirkus Reviews, STARRED review

“Beryl Young’s lyrical paean to the great sea mammal follows a mama humpback and her whale calf as they whack their fins, thwap their flukes and sing a 'chorus of silver sonnets' in the dark water. Sakika Kikuchi’s soft-toned watercolors capture the gentle majesty of these creatures and the wondrous world we share.'”
—Washington Parent

“[The illustrations of the ocean and the whales are breathtaking and ...There is a lovely essay about humpback whales at the end of the story.Any child who has been on a whale watch, or wants to go on one will enjoy this lovely book about one of the largest creatures in the ocean.”
—Youth Services Book Review

“A gentle story to share with young readers … A perfect picture book to instill a love of, and respect for, nature.”
—The International Educator

“Through language and art that perfectly echoes the soothing sway of the ocean’s waves, Show Us Where You Live, Humpback, is a delightful picture book which tells the story of the connections children share with whales…. Highly Recommended.”
—Canadian Review of Materials

“It celebrates whales and our connection to them. Spread by spread the author compares – and contrasts – the whale calf and child. They both learn new things, but different things. They are growing stronger, each splashing in the water and blowing bubbles.”
—Archimedes Notebook