- Journey of the Humpbacks is an “extraordinary” (Kirkus Reviews), well-rounded introduction to humpback whales and marine biology concepts. Written for ages 8-14, it boasts a balance of facts, scientific terms, infographics, maps, and beautiful artistic representation. Along with the migration journey, readers will learn how whales’ fins help them swim, how long they can live, why and how they sing, how their calves grow up, how they fit into the baleen whale family, and much more.
2. The book was created in collaboration with three humpback whale researchers, including marine biologist Lilián Flórez–González, director of the Fundación Yubarta, a Colombian organization that promotes aquatic biodiversity through research and environmental education; biologist, microbiologist, and professor Susana Caballero Gaitán; biologist Natalia Botero Acosta, director of the Fundación Macuáticos Colombia, a multidisciplinary organization dedicated to growing human knowledge and conservation of aquatic life, especially aquatic mammals.
3. The English-language edition was vetted by a National Geographic Certified Educator.
4. It’s browsable nonfiction you’ll want to read again and again. In a starred review, Kirkus Reviews says, “This is not a book to rush through, but rather one to return to repeatedly, as each reading reveals more layers about migration patterns, whale behavior, and marine ecosystems.”
5. Booklist called Juliana Muñoz Toro’s text “lyrical, fact-filled, and kid-oriented,” and Kirkus Reviews notes that it “weaves factual information with storytelling elements, using analogies to make complex science accessible to young readers.”
6. The art in Journey of the Humpbacks is a standout. Award-winning illustrator Dipacho used mixed techniques: Acrylics, watercolors, digital, colored pencil, collage, and oil pastel. He said, “I like to work with the techniques according to the narrative of each book. In this case I was interested in exploring with various techniques to give a sense of variety.”
7. Journey of the Humpbacks is part of Eerdmans’ award-winning Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series.
8. The book was translated from Spanish by Lawrence Schimel, prolific and award-winning translator.
9. It’s already an award winner! In its origination, the book was the winner of the 2021 Banco del Libro Award in the Informative Books category. It was also selected for the “Reading Colombia” catalog in 2022.
10. Kids love whales! What other reason do you need? 🙂
