Humphrey The Lost Whale
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 5–9 · 1986

Humphrey The Lost Whale

By Wendy Tokuda, Richard Hall, Hanako Wakiyama (Illustrator)

A lost humpback whale struggles to find its way back to the ocean.

4.2/5 Goodreads · 299 ratings
36 pages
$9.95Save 4%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In 1985, a massive humpback whale named Humphrey mistakenly enters San Francisco Bay, sparking a 26-day struggle to return to the ocean. As the city rallies to guide him home, will Humphrey find his way back to freedom? This true tale of determination and community spirit has captivated readers for decades, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by one of nature's most majestic creatures.

From the publisher

The heartwarming true story of a wrong-way humpback whale who is helped and cheered back to freedom in San Francisco. Humpback whales are magnificent creatures that sing beautiful songs to each other underwater. In the whole world there are very few of them, so each one is quite special. And they are intelligent. Every winter they travel south, every summer they head north, and they always know the way. But even whales can make mistakes . . . In October 1985 a forty-five-foot long, forty-ton humpback whale wandered into San Francisco Bay and for twenty-six days struggled mightily to find his way back to the ocean. This true, illustrated story of Humphrey’s adventure has been a children’s favorite for more than twenty-five years. The 2014 edition has updated news on whales but retains the beloved art and text for big-ocean-mammal lovers everywhere. Adopted for Reading Rainbow.

At a glance
Format
Paperback
Pages
36
Reading age
5–9
Audience
Picture
Lexile
AD610L
For readers who can't stop at one

The next favorite is already out there.

Age-appropriate books selected to help their love of reading grow, delivered right to their door.

Find their book club
Bookroo club box with books for growing readers
More from the creator

More from these creatives

Explore Wendy's bookshelf
Little Bo Peep Can't Get to Sleep
Sale price
$1595

Little Bo Peep Can't Get to Sleep

Ages 3–7 · 2005

Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox

Ages 3–7 · 2002
Series
Sale price
$750

Cloud's Best Worst Day Ever

Ages 2–5 · 2011
Your next read

Books that feel like this one

See all similar books

Boats on the Bay

Ages 4–7 · 2018

The Nativity

Ages 4–7 · 1986

Koalas Eat Gum Leaves

Ages 4–8 · 2017

Every Color of Light

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Refuge

Ages 4–8 · 2015

Pelle's New Suit

Ages 3–6 · 1912

Hop Along Boo

Ages 3–7 · 2016
The Rag Coat
Sale price
$1899

The Rag Coat

Ages 6–9 · 1995
The fine print

Book details

Reading levels
ATOS
3.7
F&P level
~O
AR points
0.5
AR interest level
LG
AR quiz
9771
Publication
Published
October 21, 2014
First published
January 1, 1986
Publisher
Heian
Edition
Language
English
Type
Picture Book
Identifiers
ISBN
9781611720174

Surprise a reader with their next favorite book.

Spotted a mistake or something missing? Improve this page.

Are you the author or illustrator? Claim your book.

Bookroo

Book Clubs

Follow Bookroo