Product Description

Describes how a migrating humpback whale mistakenly entered the San Francisco Bay in 1985 and swam sixty-four miles inland before being led back to the sea by people concerned for his welfare.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #844222 in Books
• Published on: 1986-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3 A light-hearted approach to the problem of beached whales, Humphrey's story allows librarians to give a happy ``yes'' to that often asked question, ``Is this a true story?'' A humpback whale makes a wrong turn in San Francisco Bay and finds himself trapped in the fresh water of Sacramento River. With the help of scientists and whale watching friends, he makes his way back to the safety of his salty ocean home. Notes give more details about Humphrey's ordeal that began in October 1985, lasted almost a month, and cost $80,000 for rescue efforts. Children can trace Humphrey's journey on the endpaper map. The watercolor illustrations are cleverly peopled with whale watchers of all ages who watch from their boats, from atop bridges, and from the banks as Humphrey splashes and spouts his way through the pages. For older children, Goldner & Vogel's Humphrey the Wrong-Way Whale (Dillon, 1987) is another factual account; it has photographs. Betty Craig Campbell, Brewton Elementary School, Ala.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

The best whale "true story."
The kind of book you think of when you're looking for a good whale story. Lots of personality and drama, and a super read-aloud for kids even as young as 4. Another fun whale story is The Whale Comedian, which is more humorous and whimsical, but, like Humphrey, shows what kids like most: how we can be friends with these exciting sea creatures.

Awesome Book!!!
The kids I used to babysit used to demand that I read this one incessantly. Very well-written, well-illustrated and cute.

Reading Rainbow
I first saw this book on Reading Rainbow, one of my favorite PBS shows as a kid. The story fascinated me, and I'm glad I was able to get my hands on a copy. It's about a whale who can't seem to stay with his family (which all kids can identify with at one time or another), and how the community helps him find them again.