Whalesong: The True Story of the Musician Who Talked to Orcas

In a moving tale about “two whales, two boys and two Pauls,” Ohora introduces two kids and their flute-playing father, Paul Horn (1930–2014), who bond with a pair of orcas at a Vancouver sea park. The family, who regularly visit the animals’ enclosure, encounter researcher Paul Spong (b. 1939) playing music to see whether it’s a viable means of communication with the whales. Horn agrees to perform for them, and the cetaceans’ pleasure is evident: the flute music “seemed to dissolve all boundaries—of species, air and water.” Then Horn goes on tour and the visits are suspended. When the family returns, they’re shocked to find that significant changes have occurred—changes for which Horn’s music slowly provides a kind of balm. Sweet-tempered, blocky illustrations soften difficult moments in this memorable ode to the power of music and the possibilities of communication—a work that also casts quiet doubt on keeping animals in captivity. Back matter offers further context. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)