A story filled with questions, Have you Ever Heard a Whale Exhale? by Caroline Woodward and Claire Victoria Watson will have readers looking for answers.

Through this rhyming story about being outside and observing all that is around you, readers are asked a series of questions, focused mostly on things one would see when they are close to the ocean, particularly on the west coast. There are not many answers to the questions posed making it a book that would inspire readers to go out and get into nature and perhaps start researching the answers to some of the questions.

Caroline Woodward’s simple rhyming text in the form of a question will intrigue readers to learn a little more about west coast life. Paired with other stories set in British Columbia and other non-fiction texts about the same, readers can be inspired by Have You Ever Heard a Whale Exhale? and then begin to do their own research on the topics that most interest them. I can see this book being used as a jumping off point to a great geography lesson or unit. I appreciated that the rhyme was consistent and the text rolled off the tongue with ease, however I do feel like there was a bit of a missed opportunity to add in a little bit of extra information to keep the book dynamic and to keep readers coming back. Some sidebars with non fiction information would have really taken this little story to a new level and created a bit more longevity. I appreciate that non fiction was not the aim of the story, however, I do love when a picture book can do double duty.

Claire Victoria Watson’s illustrations are beautiful. A natural colour palette invites readers out west and the realistic images help readers to get a true picture of the landscape and the creatures they may encounter while there. I especially love how the reverse of the book jacket has a beautiful night time landscape illustration perfect for framing.