In the World of Whales
by Michelle Cusolito; illus. by Jessica Lanan
Primary, Intermediate    Porter/Holiday    48 pp.
6/25    9780823453429    $18.99

Free divers, or those who dive in the ocean without any breathing equipment, claim that being unencumbered lets them immerse themselves in the underwater world, which allows for a strong connection to nature. Such is the case in this moving account when a free diver (based on Fred Buyle’s recorded experience, accompanied by another diver, Kurt Amsler) finds himself in the midst of a pod of sperm whales. They are apparently gathering for the birth of a calf, an event never before known to have been witnessed in this environment by a human. Without a hint of anthropomorphism, the connections depicted between animals — man and whale — are both scientific (each must ascend to the surface to breathe) and suppositional (the birth is celebrated by the community). In each case, Cusolito clearly delineates between fact and speculation. Lanan’s watercolor and ink illustrations bring readers into this majestic, alien environment, mirroring the diver’s belief that the whales are welcoming him to this special event. When the calf is stable, the mother appears to nudge him toward the diver; man and whales swim together, their movements perfectly synchronized. The whales descend; the man ascends, “forever changed.” Back matter offers a detailed diagram of a sperm whale, information about freediving and about whales, and print and digital resources for further inquiry. In addition, readers will find a selected bibliography and personal notes from author and illustrator.

From the September/October 2025 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.