Description
"Perfect for readers who love a touch of the fantastic and the impossible." -Booklist
A hopeful and heroic girl befriends a small, lost whale during World War II and together they embark on a journey to liberate France and find their families in this charming debut novel.
Ever since the Germans became the unwelcome "guests" of Paris in the early days of World War II, Papa and Chantal have gone out in the evenings to fish in the Seine. Tonight Chantal is hoping for a salmon, but instead she spies something much more special: a whale!
Though small (for a whale) and lost, he seems friendly. Chantal soon opens her heart to the loveable creature and names him Franklin, after the American president who must surely be sending troops to rescue her country.
Yet Franklin is in danger: The Parisians are starving and would love to eat him, and the Nazis want to capture him as a gift to Hitler. In a desperate bid to liberate themselves and their city, Chantal and Franklin embark on a dangerous voyage. But can one small girl manage to return a whale to the ocean and reunite him with his parents? And will she ever see her own family again?
About the Author
American screenwriter Daniel Presley's award-winning film Populaire was released in thirty-five countries. His fiction has also appeared in various literary journals. He lives with his wife, Dutch novelist Claire Polders in Paris, and together they are the creators of A Whale in Paris.
Dutch novelist Claire Polders has published four novels. Her writing in English can be found in various literary journals. She lives with her husband, American screenwriter Daniel Presley in Paris, and together they are the creators of A Whale in Paris.
Erin McGuire has illustrated many books for young readers, including The Real Boy by Anne Ursu. She lives in Dallas, Texas, and you can visit her at EMcGuire.net.
Reviews
"This fanciful, impossible animal fable often feels just as urgent as the real events. . . . Readers may find this . . . story utterly convincing and even sometimes heartbreaking." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Chantal's optimism against overwhelming odds makes her a hero to creatures above and below the water. Overflowing with charm and hope, this novel is perfect for readers who love a touch of the fantastic and the impossible." -- Booklist Online
"Franklin, his unlikely appearance in Paris, and his anthropomorphic personality invoke an unexpected but delightful air of magic. Chantal is a compelling and compassionate character. This debut novel set in Nazi-occupied Paris will engage and charm young readers." -- School Library Journal
"This story . . . delves into the workings of human nature, and teaches young readers valuable life lessons, such as not judging people prematurely and the importance of keeping promises. . . . an excellent introduction to WWII for elementary readers, being both an exciting and touching story." -- Historical Novel Society
Book Information
ISBN 9781534419162
Author Daniel Presley
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Simon & Schuster
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Weight(grams) 177g
Dimensions(mm) 194mm * 130mm * 15mm
A hopeful and heroic girl befriends a small, lost whale during World War II and together they embark on a journey to liberate France and find their families in this charming debut novel.
Ever since the Germans became the unwelcome "guests" of Paris in the early days of World War II, Papa and Chantal have gone out in the evenings to fish in the Seine. Tonight Chantal is hoping for a salmon, but instead she spies something much more special: a whale!
Though small (for a whale) and lost, he seems friendly. Chantal soon opens her heart to the loveable creature and names him Franklin, after the American president who must surely be sending troops to rescue her country.
Yet Franklin is in danger: The Parisians are starving and would love to eat him, and the Nazis want to capture him as a gift to Hitler. In a desperate bid to liberate themselves and their city, Chantal and Franklin embark on a dangerous voyage. But can one small girl manage to return a whale to the ocean and reunite him with his parents? And will she ever see her own family again?
About the Author
American screenwriter Daniel Presley's award-winning film Populaire was released in thirty-five countries. His fiction has also appeared in various literary journals. He lives with his wife, Dutch novelist Claire Polders in Paris, and together they are the creators of A Whale in Paris.
Dutch novelist Claire Polders has published four novels. Her writing in English can be found in various literary journals. She lives with her husband, American screenwriter Daniel Presley in Paris, and together they are the creators of A Whale in Paris.
Erin McGuire has illustrated many books for young readers, including The Real Boy by Anne Ursu. She lives in Dallas, Texas, and you can visit her at EMcGuire.net.
Reviews
"This fanciful, impossible animal fable often feels just as urgent as the real events. . . . Readers may find this . . . story utterly convincing and even sometimes heartbreaking." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Chantal's optimism against overwhelming odds makes her a hero to creatures above and below the water. Overflowing with charm and hope, this novel is perfect for readers who love a touch of the fantastic and the impossible." -- Booklist Online
"Franklin, his unlikely appearance in Paris, and his anthropomorphic personality invoke an unexpected but delightful air of magic. Chantal is a compelling and compassionate character. This debut novel set in Nazi-occupied Paris will engage and charm young readers." -- School Library Journal
"This story . . . delves into the workings of human nature, and teaches young readers valuable life lessons, such as not judging people prematurely and the importance of keeping promises. . . . an excellent introduction to WWII for elementary readers, being both an exciting and touching story." -- Historical Novel Society
Book Information
ISBN 9781534419162
Author Daniel Presley
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Simon & Schuster
Publisher Simon & Schuster
Weight(grams) 177g
Dimensions(mm) 194mm * 130mm * 15mm
