I Lived Inside a Whale has warmed our hearts with the exploration of the power of imagination and storytelling. A masterpiece that we highly recommend. Simply breathtaking in every way!
~ Momma Braga
Synopsis
A quiet child in a boisterous family, Emma Wen dreams of a world that is peaceful and silent. When she reads about the blue whale – with a heart so big her father could stand in it – she has an idea. She fashions a boat out of household objects and sails from her bedroom into the mouth of a whale, where she settles in happily. Emma has finally found her peace and quiet. That is until another child, Owen Tang, arrives inside the whale and is loud, noisy and “everything she is running away from”. Emma and Owen’s unlikely friendship blossoms inside the microcosm of the whale in a beautifully told story of friendship and finding your own voice in a world that is “filled with too much of everything, everywhere.”
#MelAndNikkiReview
I Lived Inside a Whale is a whimsical and heartwarming picture book that explores the power of imagination and storytelling. Written and illustrated by Xin Li, this book tells the story of Emma Wen, a quiet and introverted child who feels overwhelmed by the noise and chaos of her family and the world.
She escapes into a fantasy world where she lives inside a whale, enjoying the peace and silence. But her solitude is interrupted by the arrival of Owen Tang, a loud and outgoing boy who also seeks refuge inside the whale. Emma and Owen have to learn how to coexist and communicate with each other, and they discover the magic of sharing stories and finding their own voices.
The book is beautifully illustrated with a collage-like style that mixes different textures and patterns. The colors change from dark and muted to bright and vibrant as Emma and Owen’s friendship blossoms and they explore their imaginary world. Featuring a diverse and inclusive cast of characters, which is a perfect reflection of the multicultural theme of the story.
I Lived Inside a Whale is a charming and inspiring book for children of all ages who love to dream and create. It is a celebration of friendship, diversity, and self-expression.
If you would like to purchase this beautiful book, click here.
About the Author
Xin Li is an artist and writer. She was born and raised in China and currently lives in Norway with her husband and their daughter. After spending half of her life living in countries outside of her homeland, Xin chose to paint and write, as stories help her to make sense of a world that otherwise is often lost in translation. Xin is passionate about collecting books, watching clouds, and going for long train rides to cities she has never visited before. I Lived Inside a Whale is her U.S. author/illustrator debut.
Until next time…Happy Parenting!
~ Momma Braga
*This book was provided in exchange of an honest review. All opinions expressed are our own.
