The Sound of Whales by Kerr Thomson
Published by Scholastic Australia
In three words you could describe Kerr Thomson’s ‘The Sound of Whales’ as magical, wild and adventure. Set on a wild Scottish Island, our three lead characters - Fraser, an avid whale watcher who is desperate for adventure, his brother Dunny, a mute who begins acting strangely or the islands newest resident Hayley.
The hapless trio stumble across a dead whale on the beach one day which sets off a series of events including a mystery dead body and a man who washes up and asks the youngsters not to tell anyone he was there.
Mysterious whale sightings in the area see’s Dunny weird behaviour increase frustrating his brother and Hayley who are trying to find a way to get the mysterious stranger - Jonah - off the island who claims to be a victim of smuggling.
Thomson has crafted a compelling scene throughout the book which made me want to read to the end, and what an ending it was. This book has it all, murder and espionage, adventure and excitement as well as reliving some of the old Scottish myths in a young boy, who just may be able to communicate with whales.
I see this story appealing to young readers, both male and female, it has something for everything.
CKT Book Reviewer
Author: Kerr Thomson
Title: The Sound of Whales
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
ISBN: 9781910002278
Published: June 2015
Age: 6+
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