The Secret Life of Whales, by Rena Ortega | Book Review

Book Review of The Secret Life of Whales
The Children’s Book Review

What to expect: Whales, Non-Fiction

A big book for even bigger mammals – it’s time to learn all about whales, the largest mammals on planet Earth!

This oversized book is brimming with gorgeous illustrations and facts about whales. The vibrant pictures are realistic enough to satisfy the hungry fact-checker and still quite beautiful to please even the most discerning art lover. This book delivers artistry on many levels – the facts about whales are written precisely and clearly, while the pictures capture the imagination of young would-be marine biologists.

From whale migratory routes, their sleeping habits, and different whale species’ feeding habits, author and illustrator Rena Ortega delivers a well-rounded and delightful non-fiction book about the myriad whales that inhabit our oceans. Ortega worked in collaboration with the Húsavík Whale Museum in Iceland to create this knowledgeable book.

There is something for everyone – there are the crowd-pleasing whales, like Orcas and Narwhals, and the less famous whales, like Sei and Fin whales. We especially liked the pages that compared the dorsal fins of whales, as well as the layout comparing and contrasting sizes among other oceanic creatures, like whale sharks and octopuses, compared to whales. And while we know there are plenty of enormous creatures on Earth, this book helps us remember that the biggest mammals live in the ocean.

The Secret Life of Whales would make an excellent addition to a class library or a wonderful gift book for a young reader who adores whales or the ocean. The spot gloss on the cover and the large size of the book makes it especially eye-catching and exciting, and the realistic and fascinating illustrations will keep readers engaged and flipping the pages for more facts. A sure favorite for years to come!

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About the Author

Rena Ortega is an illustrator, designer, and explorer of the world. Inspired by nature and her passion for books and travel, she has specialized in powerful watercolor illustrations of whales, nature, and maps. She has worked for Penguin Random House and National Geographic Traveler. Her work about whales has been exhibited at the Húsavík Whale Museum in Iceland.

More Books About Whales

A Whale of the Wild, by Rosanne Parry

The Heart of a Whale, by Anna Pignataro

A Book About Whales, by Andrea Antinori

The Secret Life of Whales by Rena Ortega was reviewed by Denise Mealy. Discover more books like Tell the Truth, Dragon! by following along with our reviews and articles tagged with Non-Fiction, Ocean Animals, Picture Book, and Whales.