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

Author Zachariah OHora On Tour
A captivating informational picture book about Paul Horn, a musician who communicated with orcas through the power of music. For fans of Shark Lady and Margaret and the Moon.

Unbelievable but true, this is the story of two whales, two Pauls and two boys.

The whales are Haida and Chimo, captive orcas who lived in an aquarium called Sealand of the Pacific in the 1970s.

The Pauls are Paul Horn, a professional flute musician, and Dr. Paul Spong, a scientist studying the orcas in order to learn more about these mystifying creatures.

And the boys are Marlen and Robin, Paul Horn's sons, who are fascinated with the orcas despite their father's fear of the giant whales.

What follows is the spellbinding story of how the Pauls, through the power of music, learn to communicate with the orcas — and set into motion an entire anti-captivity movement dedicated to protecting these intelligent and majestic animals.
Zachariah OHora is an award winning illustrator and author. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including the New York Times, the Atlantic, and Bloomberg Business Week, and on posters and record covers. He lives and works in Narberth, Pennsylvania, with his wife and sons. View titles by Zachariah OHora
"Sweet-tempered 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." —STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly

"Whalesong: The True Story of the Musician Who Talked to Orcas centers on animals, minus the silliness, although OHora cushions his serious message with merriment in this true tale of compassion, animal rights, and the power of music. . . . As conservation books for kids go, Whalesong may be the grooviest." —STARRED REVIEW, Shelf Awareness

"[A] true zoo tale from the 1970s. . . . [A]ffecting." Kirkus Reviews

"With a concise text and sensitive illustrations, this picture book tells a true story that will surely resonate with the many children who would like to communicate with animals." Booklist

"Whalesong is an inspiring, educational book about the majestic and intelligent orca and two men who have helped these whales." Metroland Media

About

A captivating informational picture book about Paul Horn, a musician who communicated with orcas through the power of music. For fans of Shark Lady and Margaret and the Moon.

Unbelievable but true, this is the story of two whales, two Pauls and two boys.

The whales are Haida and Chimo, captive orcas who lived in an aquarium called Sealand of the Pacific in the 1970s.

The Pauls are Paul Horn, a professional flute musician, and Dr. Paul Spong, a scientist studying the orcas in order to learn more about these mystifying creatures.

And the boys are Marlen and Robin, Paul Horn's sons, who are fascinated with the orcas despite their father's fear of the giant whales.

What follows is the spellbinding story of how the Pauls, through the power of music, learn to communicate with the orcas — and set into motion an entire anti-captivity movement dedicated to protecting these intelligent and majestic animals.

Author

Zachariah OHora is an award winning illustrator and author. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including the New York Times, the Atlantic, and Bloomberg Business Week, and on posters and record covers. He lives and works in Narberth, Pennsylvania, with his wife and sons. View titles by Zachariah OHora

Praise

"Sweet-tempered 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." —STARRED REVIEW, Publishers Weekly

"Whalesong: The True Story of the Musician Who Talked to Orcas centers on animals, minus the silliness, although OHora cushions his serious message with merriment in this true tale of compassion, animal rights, and the power of music. . . . As conservation books for kids go, Whalesong may be the grooviest." —STARRED REVIEW, Shelf Awareness

"[A] true zoo tale from the 1970s. . . . [A]ffecting." Kirkus Reviews

"With a concise text and sensitive illustrations, this picture book tells a true story that will surely resonate with the many children who would like to communicate with animals." Booklist

"Whalesong is an inspiring, educational book about the majestic and intelligent orca and two men who have helped these whales." Metroland Media

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