Review of Where There's a Whale There's a Way

Although it won't be released until March 10, I couldn't resist sharing this new children's picture book that takes place in the chilly days of early winter. I received a review copy of it through Edelweiss (thanks!) and if my review intrigues you, pre-order the hardcover or paperback edition HERE. While you're waiting for your copy to arrive, celebrate World Whale Day on the third Sunday in February, this year on February 15.

More About Where There's a Whale There's a Way

Autumn lingered late, not a snowstorm in sight. Fooled by warmer bay waters, a pod of orcas forgot to migrate south . . . When the cold finally blustered in, the sudden plunge in temperature froze the bay's surface overnight. And the whales were trapped!

In 2013, the icy arctic winter arrived late to Northern Canada, and the Hudson Bay's surface froze overnight. A pod of eleven orcas, fooled by the warmer waters, were swimming near the small fishing village of Inukjuak and became trapped by the icy conditions, quickly making their struggle to survive international news. For three long days, the world followed along, as the pod searched for a way out and the desperate villagers exhausted every resource to help them. Would the orcas make it out alive?

Where There's a Whale There's a Way is a gripping true story that captures the race against time as humans and nature intersect in one of the most extreme environments on Earth. Readers will discover the remarkable resilience of these magnificent marine mammals and the extraordinary efforts of the Inukjuak community as they worked tirelessly to save the stranded pod.

With stunning illustrations and compelling narrative, this book explores the impacts of climate change on arctic wildlife while celebrating the power of compassion and cooperation in the face of crisis. Backmatter and discussion questions at the end help parents and educators start a conversation with young readers about the story and how they might have reacted in a similar situation.

Perfect for young readers interested in marine biology, climate science, and stories of survival against the odds, Where There's a Whale There's a Way delivers an unforgettable tale of hope and determination in the frozen north.

More About Author Kimberly Wilson

Kimberly Wilson’s writing journey began as a third grader in Upstate New York with a butterfly Trapper Keeper, a pocket thesaurus, and an overflowing bookshelf.

After earning her BA from SUNY Geneseo, where she studied communication and creative writing, an internship brought her to North Carolina. There, she established a career in marketing before diving headfirst into her dream of writing for children.

As a full-time writer, Kimberly is an active member of the SCBWI and several critique groups. She is a pun-lover and enjoys mixing humor and heart and adding educational details into her writing. Kimberly is the author of A PENNY'S WORTH, a finalist for the Bill Martin Jr. Picture Book Award, A DOLLAR'S GRAND DREAM, A CREDIT CARD TAKES CHARGE, and PIGGY BANK SAVES THE DAY (Fall 2025), illustrated by Mark Hoffmann, published by Page Street Kids.

When not writing, Kimberly shares her love for books by volunteering with local literacy nonprofits through their Title I outreach programs. She also enjoys yoga, tennis, and family ping pong parties. Kimberly lives with her family in Charlotte, NC. 

Even though her Trapper Keeper is long gone, her book collection continues to multiply. As for her thesaurus, well...

Now, there's an app for that!

More About Illustrator Chris Adams

Chris Adams is a freelance illustrator and designer who loves to be outside and explore while not working on projects. Illustration is his passion.

Thoughts About Where There's a Whale There's a Way

I think children (and the adults in their life) will enjoy this title in two ways. First, you learn A LOT about orca whales and in my experience, small children are always fascinated by large animals. The orca facts are woven into a rollercoaster ride of a story. The orcas are happily living their best life...until they aren't! How can the villagers save the ice-locked whales? Can just a few individuals do it? Will the orcas find their way to safety? Cheers to the illustrator, Chris Adams who does a good job portraying the fierceness of the weather, the motion of the orcas, the tiny size of the people compared to their huge whale neighbors.

As an adult familiar with children and their unending stream of questions, I appreciated the glossary of terms, information about the true event this book is based, questions families/classes can discuss and a detailed bibiliography.

This story also opens you up to discussing broader ideas such as climate change and how one person can make a difference in the world (even if there aren't orcas trapped in your bay). This was a lively book full of action that I think any young animal lover would enjoy.