Author and Illustrator Benji Davies
First published 2013
Publisher Simon and Schuster
A beautifully illustrated picture book about a lonely boy and a stranded whale.
Story
Noi’s dad is a fisherman and works from early in the morning until dark. On one of his lonely adventures on the beach, Noi finds a little whale washed ashore after a storm. He wants to help and takes it home, but for how long can you keep a whale hidden in a bathtub?
Why we chose it
A gentle story about loneliness and companionship, with beautiful, atmospheric illustrations of coast and sea.
Where it came from
Benji Davies is an illustrator and animation director and has worked on many different projects, from picture books and animated short films to music videos and commercials. The Storm Whale is his first self-written book.
Where it went next
The Storm Whale won the 2014 inaugural Oscar's First Book Prize in association with the Evening Standard and was shortlisted for the Booktrust’s Best Book Awards and other prizes. The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury adapted it for the stage in 2020.
Associated stories
In 2016, Benji Davies published the sequel story The Storm Whale in Winter.
His other books include Grandad's Island, Tad, The Grotlyn and Grandma Bird.
Author and Illustrator Benji Davies
First published 2013
Publisher Simon and Schuster