A Whale in Paris
Table of Contents
About The Book
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 Authors
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.
About The Illustrator
Erin McGuire has illustrated many books for young readers, including Sleeping Beauty by Cynthia Rylant and her own The Spy in the Museum. She lives with her family near Raleigh, North Carolina, and you can visit her at EMcGuire.net.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (May 22, 2018)
- Length: 256 pages
- ISBN13: 9781534419179
- Ages: 10 - 99
- Lexile ® 650L The Lexile reading levels have been certified by the Lexile developer, MetaMetrics®
Raves and 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
Awards and Honors
- Horned Toad Tales List (TX)
- Club Tome Society It List Nominee
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): A Whale in Paris eBook 9781534419179
- Author Photo (jpg): Daniel Presley Photograph © Vangelis Patsialos(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
- Author Photo (jpg): Claire Polders Photograph © Joyce van Belkom / De Geus(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
