Poppy's Whale

Christine Linge is a past director of the Toronto & District Parent
Co-operative Preschool Corporation and a freelance writer.

This engaging tale springs from the tragic death of Poppy’s beloved
grandfather. Poppy describes with passion and joy the adventures she
shared with her grandpa, but her feelings are mixed with anger because
he has left her behind. When Poppy’s sorrow finally bursts forth in a
torrent of tears, she finds her bed floating down the river of tears,
through wild waves into “the biggest storm of my life.”

She is swallowed by a whale but discovers she likes this dark place,
where she can be alone with her sorrow forever. While explaining to an
inquisitive squid why she misses her grandfather so, Poppy discovers
that he is still alive in her heart and memories. With the creature’s
help, she returns home to share her grief with her mother and to marvel
at the beautiful sunrise.

Complemented by Philippe Germain’s lighthearted cartoon
illustrations, Poppy’s Whale is both a witty adventure and a brilliant
analogy of the grief process. The profound psychological truth
underlying its lively plot speaks to adults and children alike. Highly
recommended.