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What if you could communicate with a whale? The Lost Whale is the enchanting second novel from Hannah Gold, the author of the bestselling and award-winning debut novel The Last Bear.
Unforgettable highly accomplished animal adventure about the connection between a boy and a whale, with strong ecological themes – The Bookseller, Editor’s Choice
Rio has been sent to live with a grandmother he barely knows in California, while his mum is in hospital back home. Alone and adrift, the only thing that makes him smile is joining his new friend Marina on her dad’s whale watching trips. That is until an incredible encounter with White Beak, a gentle giant of the sea changes everything. But when White Beak goes missing, Rio must set out on a desperate quest to find his whale and somehow save his mum.
Dive into this incredible story about the connection between a boy and a whale and the bond that sets them both free. Perfect for readers of 8+ and beautifully illustrated throughout by Levi Pinfold (illustrator of Harry Potter 20th anniversary edition covers).
Take a look at the reviews from our Young Readers for The Lost Whale below 
Book review from Kyra, aged 9
This book is about a boy called Rio who has to go and stay in California with his grandma. He meets an interesting girl named Marina, who shows him the world of whale watching. Rio bonds with a whale called White Beak and is then devastated when the whale goes missing. The book then follows his journey to find White Beak before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed this book and was super happy when it arrived and I saw that it was about whales, because I love whales. There are beautiful illustrations throughout the book, including a map that shows the whales migration path. I found this very interesting as I didn’t know that whales followed a route.
I would recommend this book to people who like sea creatures, other animals and who love to read.
Book review from Jessee, aged 13
The Lost Whale by Hannah Gold is a story about a boy named Rio who is struggling as he is staying with his Grandma while his Mum is in hospital. On a whale watch every thing in his life changes after he meets a whale.
I love how this book’s events are laid out in a fun way and I also love the fact that the book is as heartwarming as Rio and the whale finds a way they can understand each other. Every part I read makes me feel like I’m on an adventure.
The Lost Whale is a book I will read again and again. I would give The Lost Whale book a 10/10 and I would recommend this novel for 10-13 year olds. Love the book!
Book review from Hamish, aged 12
This story takes place in Los Angeles and is based on a child named Rio. he goes to stay with his Grandma Fran for a couple of weeks, while his mother is in hospital.
While at Grandma’s house Rio comes across his mothers special box and he finds a drawing of a whale called White Beak. Rio becomes determined to find White Beak to make his mother happy again. He then meets a girl named Marina and becomes friends with her. Her father’s name is Birch and he owns a boat. Birch takes tourists on their boat while Marina helps. Rio enlists their help to try and find White Beak and the adventure begins on the hunt for the lost whale.
I loved this book because it was full of emotion, it also felt so real from the way that the author described everything. Some parts of the story were depressing and realistic, for example the lives of Rio and his mother. Other parts of the story were also funny, like how Rio holds the binoculars and that his Grandma Fran gets seasick easily. There were very good descriptive words used throughout the story. I liked that it taught me a lot more about whales, such as how they communicate.
Overall I’d give this book an 8.5 out of 10.
Book review from Dani, aged 10
This is the story about Rio whose mum goes to hospital so he has to live with his grandmother who he doesn’t know, and he feels sad because he misses his mum.
He meets a whale called White Beak and they bond, when White Beak goes missing Rio jumps into action to find him.
I really liked this book, it made me happy and sad. It was an adventure but also showed his bonds and love for his family and his new friend which was a whale.
Book review from Leo, aged 8
The Lost Whale, by Hannah Gold, is a story about a boy named Rio who has to stay with his grandmother while his mum is in hospital.
Rio soon discovers a connection between himself and a special whale named White Beak. The journey they set off on will change Rio’s life forever.
I liked this book and managed to read it all in just a few days. It is well written and easy to understand. The pictures drawn are nice, and almost look real. I learnt a lot about whales and the ocean too.
I would recommend this book to my friends.
What I like about this book is the great adventures and Rio’s special friendship with Marina and the whales. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I give it a 10/10.
Zack, aged 10
This book was very interesting and kept me wanting to read more. I would recommend this book to those who love adventures, family and friendship.
Abigail, aged 9.
Families were provided with a copy of the book for the purposes of the review. Views are those of the reviewers. This article contains information provided by HarperCollins.
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