Waiting for the Whales

By Sheryl McFarlane

Book Overview

In this timeless story set on the West Coast, an old man lives alone on a bluff overlooking the sea and tends his garden. And waits. Only when the whales return each year to the bay in front of his cottage is his loneliness eased. One day, his daughter and her baby return home to live with the old man, bringing a renewed sense of purpose to his life. As his granddaughter grows, the old man passes on a wealth or knowledge and wisdom as well as his passion for the whales. And each year they wait together for the whales to appear.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399225153
• ISBN13: 9780399225154
• Release Date: March 1993
• Publisher: Philomel Books
• Length: 1 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 0.5" x 8.8"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Perfect Reading to Little Ones--Amazon Verified Purchase

My 5 year-old grandson loved my reading of this story. It deals with a loving relationship between a grandfather and grandchild. It can open up future discussions on death. A wonderful story. I recommend this to every grandparent.

Grandparents are special

"Waiting for the Whales" was an inspiring picture story book about the death of a man who was quietly admired by his grand daughter and daughter. His interests and values were honest, respectful and sincere. After his death, they watch at their window overlooking the ocean, for the orcas to return, thinking about his love of the whales and the special bond he had with them.

Beautifully written and illustrated book about life.

A special relationship exists between granddaughter and grandfather and the Orca whales are right in the middle. Read this beautiful book with gorgeous illustrations to young and old. I can't read it to my elementary school children without shedding a tear! One of my very very favorite!