Reviews

K-Gr 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.