The O’Brien Press

Squeeeak ... Thwop ... Thwop ... Dwoooooerrrp!

Dad sings his magical whale songs to Mum and baby Finn, far, far away across the huge ocean.

When Finn gets lost, can the other sea creatures help him to send a message of his own?

GERRY DALY is a children’s author and illustrator living by the beautiful sea in Dublin. He hasn’t seen any whales from his window, but saw many off the coast of West Cork. His previous books include the best-selling Where Are You, Puffling? and Wee Donkey’s Treasure Hunt, both written by Erika McGann and also published by The O’Brien Press. He loves to paint birds and animals, from the tiniest to the biggest of them all.

The story tells you about different types of fish and what makes each one different … I give this book 10 out 10 and my little sister Kate really liked it too. She’s 5 years old

Grace (10 yrs old), St. Joseph’s NS, Mulhussey, Co. Meath

Seomra Ranga

Gerry Daly, illustrator of the hugely popular Where are you Puffling? takes another dip into Irish waters with Finn’s First Song … This “whaley big adventure ” takes a similar tack to Puffling’s solo travels around the Skelligs, with Finn the humpback whale becoming separated from his parents during his first journey to the Irish coast. Too young to have developed effective whale communication, Finn turns to other sea creatures for help, but the advice given by the jelly fish, squid, and dolphins he encounters fails to locate Finn’s family. Necessity is the mother of invention, however, and Finn summons all his power to let out a sound sequence rarely if ever seen in print. “Thwop! thwop! whoop, whoop, whoop, dwooooooooerp! dwooooooooerp!” goes his first whale song — and if that doesn’t inspire some expressive sound effects from the adults reading this book aloud to children, then nothing ever will

Evening Echo

The gentle, episodic story and bold illustrations bring a distinct personality to the seabed while introducing young readers to memorable facts about how sea creatures communicate, from the twinkling lights of crystal jellyfish to colour changing squids and ink-squirting octopi. Be warned, however: it is the wonderful whoop and whirring whale song that young readers will want to imitate

Irish Times

The gentle, episodic story and bold illustrations bring a distinct personality to the seabed while introducing young readers to memorable facts about how sea creatures communicate, from the twinkling lights of crystal jellyfish to colour changing squids and ink-squirting octopi. Be warned, however: it is the wonderful whoop and whirring whale song that young readers will want to imitate

Irish Times

A real treat for young readers. The vivid illustrations pull the reader in to Finn’s ocean home from the get go and the text is paced well to allow children to enjoy the underwater scenes as they travel with Finn on his journey to Ireland. Daly cleverly weaves big themes into this story as Finn learns to find his own voice … As Finn searches for his Mum we get to meet a range of sea creatures and learn about the different ways they communicate. While Daly’s story is not focused on the impact humans have on the environment there are elements of the story and its illustrations that touch on this theme. These will be useful conversation prompts to introduce children to the importance of looking after the planet. Young readers will relate to Finn and will want to read more of his ocean adventures

Children's Books Ireland

An undersea adventure about overcoming fears and finding your voice … From one of the creators of Where Are You Puffling? Gerry Daly is back creating another splash! This time it’s with an amazing under sea journey and a joyful discovery. Finn’s First Song will captive young readers. When Finn gets lost and is scared, an array of sea creatures offer advice and try to help him overcome his fears and find a way to get his parents’ attention. Packed full of bright, charming illustrations of friendly sea creatures and fascinating whale facts, this book is an uplifting story that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. 3+

RTEjr

Teaching Resources: free to view and download

• Download Activity sheets: Colour in Finn and his mother sleeping

• Download Activity sheets: Colour in Finn and his pufferfish friends

• Download Activity sheets: Colour in Finn as he sings his first song

• Download Activity sheets: Colour in Finn spraying a seagull

• Download Activity sheets: Colour in the busy sea floor, with an octopus!

• Download Activity sheets: Colour in the front cover illustration yourself