Nickum's poetry conveys the story beautifully.With vibrant, mixed-media illustrations, MacKay depicts the lengthy journey and changing settings through a shifting range of shades, mostly pastels. For nonfiction that elicits an emotional investment from readers, this is an excellent purchase for all libraries. --School Library Journal (starred review) Nickum's quiet, flowing prose sets the scene with vivid, sensory detail. The speckled whales seem ready to splash off the page in each dioramic scene. A stunning and unforgettable journey. --Kirkus Reviews (starred review) Layered textures and fine details make each full-bleed spread entirely engrossing, inviting the viewer to stay with these resourceful, clever creatures. --Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Young readers and their adults will be equally drawn into this look at the lives of these gentle, clever giants and the underlying theme that sometimes it can be worth it to forge your own path.

--Booklist (starred review) An illuminating picture book from Nickum ( This Book Is Full of Holes ) and MacKay ( The Bunny Ballet ). Photographs of cut paper and mixed-media scenes have a luminous, diorama-like depth that immerses readers in the subjects' natural habitats. --Publishers Weekly.