I love reading books about nature and wildlife and this book was no exception. The audio version was fast paced and engaging. My only complaint is that the book was too short. I really wanted more of the story. That said, the author’s note at the end about humpbacks and how to help our oceans was succinct and meaningful. This would be a great short read aloud for an elementary classroom, or for a caregiver who wanted to teach their child about how we are all creatures on earth and our job is to take care of each other.

Calling the Whales
by Jasbinder Bilan
The story of two children who attempt to save a whale from ghost gear. The self sacrifice of two young children show the connection to nature that is rewarding.
The author shows the modern problems to whales. She talks of how children can learn how to protect whales. She is inspired by places in her real life.

This is an absolutely gorgeous story about two friends who are trying to be eco-conscious when they come across a trapped whale. The audiobook is beautifully produced and you get caught up in the drama as adult or child alike. Vital for any children who like marine life, care about the planet, or are looking for a short but beautifully crafted adventure story

Beautifully written ocean adventure, showing the bravery of two young children desperate to save a whale tangled in a fishing net. Would definitely recommend print version for our school library.

Written by Jasbinder Bilan and narrated by Paula Masterton, Calling the Whales is a novelette that strives to impact readers and raise awareness to the whales in the ocean.

Let’s start with the book itself- Listening to this, the visual is surprisingly clear! I enjoyed imagining the scenes, and I could almost feel the waves of the ocean and the wind that blew. However, I could not imagine how the characters looked—but that’s something that isn’t too important for this book. It focuses mostly on the plot, and the transformations of the characters are only what was left of the memory of the whale, Angus.

Furthermore, there is more action than needed, which makes it less enjoyable. The conversations between characters seem somehow unrealistic, and the characters themselves lack much personality or depth. As goes the story itself. It tries to teach a lesson, and inform readers rather than entertaining. However, this book tackles the topic of protecting the ocean and our planet, which is beneficial. I wish it was shown more throughout the book, though.

As for the audiobook narration by Paula Masterton, she has a strong accent that's sometimes hard for me to understand (not American English). Sometimes, the book also had an added amount of intensity, which is more than necessary. However, I like the way Paula uses different voices and expresses the emotions of the book very well and clearly.

The final two chapters are appreciated, though. Jasbinder gives interesting and informative facts about whales and ways we can help them strive. The author's note adds a sense of empowerment to the story, and is a good inspiration for readers.

Overall, it’s a good story for readers who are passionate about supporting the Earth!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bolinda Audio for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Calling the Whales is a very short story. The narrator for this audio book brings it to life and makes it a really enjoyable listen. Set on the Scottish coast this story starts with friends Satchen and Tulsi setting off in a rowing boat to go to a nearby island. On the way they find a whale trapped in old fishing nets. With a storm approaching they need to work fast to free the whale. This is a delightful story with a clear message about the dangers of pollution to sea creatures and how we all need to work at keeping pollution out of the sea. I can imagine children listening intently as this adventure unfolds. Thank you to NetGalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book. I love the message it was trying to make. I highly recommend this book. Let’s all do our part to help our waters!!

Cute but too short - less than an hour. I did not enjoy the narration - it gives me a headache to listen to narrators who shout and scream while reading. Thank you NetGalley for the audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

"Calling the Whales" by Jasbinder Bilan is a Children's book starring two children about twelve years old. Tulsi and Satchen are best friends, and they like to hang out together and explore. They live in Scotland. One day they row to a nearby island and find a trapped whale near the cliffs. They work very hard in the extreme cold to try to free the whale. They leave the little island as a big storm is beginning and then get in trouble from the weather. Eventually all is well.
Good story with a strong message about trying to protect the whales and other sea life. Good book for young readers of chapter books or as a read aloud to younger children. The one hour long audiobook is narrated by Paula Masterson and she does sound like a young Scottish girl with emotional tone that matches the story's action. It takes just a little bit to get used to the accent to understand it well. I highly recommend this for kids who like whales or Scotland and adventure stories.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bolinda Audio for this audiobook in exchange for this honest review.

When a majestic whale is stranded near their Scottish hometown, Tulsi and Satchen must summon all their courage to save it in this thrilling adventure from Jasbinder Bilan. Thank you for granting me early access to this audiobook and a special thank you to the narrator. What a performance. I loved it so much.

This was a lovely short story. Initially I was concerned about the audio book due to the strong accent of the narrator, but it was perfectly clear and really authentic to hear the story from such a broad accent.
This would be a great audiobook to use in assemblies or group reading sessions due to story containing conservation themes.
I am also keen to have this book in our library - it will be a great addition to our dyslexia friendly section.

CALLING THE WHALES is a tale about two children saving a whale who is trapped by fishing nets and washes up near their home in Scotland. It's a powerful tale of what we have to lose due to damaging fishing practices, the power of nature, and the power of friendship.

This is a Barrington Stoke title, a UK publisher dedicated to publishing books accessible for all, focusing on those with dyslexia and other learning difficulties that make reading hard. I've never listened to a Barrington Stoke books before (I didn't know they made audiobooks of their titles!) but I'm so glad as it's another way to make books more accessible. Paula Masterton does a wonderful job bringing the two kids to life, and the wonder and danger of the seas!

I absolutely loved this audiobook! I’m not normally a fan of fiction audiobooks although I do listen to non-fiction, however I thought my grandson would like this story. While I was preparing something I decided to put it on and I was hooked straight away. It’s a lovely story about a boy and a girl who are great friends and live in the north of Scotland. One evening they sneak out and climb up the hill where there is a monument of a whale’s jaw. Although Tulsi has an intuitive feeling that something is going on out on the sea, they go home to their respective houses and go to sleep. Next day though the feeling won’t go and she messages Satchen to meet her on the beach, they row over to a nearby island and once again the hear the noise Tulsi heard the night before. It’s a whale calling…….and so their adventure starts!
I was enthralled and I am 100% certain that my grandchildren will be too. We often put on an audiobook while we are in the car when I pick them up from school, and I cannot wait to put this on for them.
An easy five stars from me. I’d just like to say that part of the reason I don’t listen to audiio fiction books is that so often the voice of the narrator just isn’t right for the story or has an irritating voice - quite the opposite in this case. The narrator is perfect for the story beautiful Scottish accent and beautifully read. She definitely enhanced the book in my opinion.
My thanks to the author, the publishers and NetGalley for an advanced audio copy of this charming book.

This is a really quick read - under an hour if on 1x speed.

The setting was inspired by an area near me that I know well enough that I could easily picture it in my mind while reading, but Jasbinder's writing was so atmospheric that I didn't need to think of an area I know.

I really enjoyed the narrator - I appreciated the use of the Scottish accent, which felt very natural so I would be surprised if it wasn't a Scottish voice actor. It really kept me engaged.

How a book so short could pack so much, I'm not sure. It passed on a really good message about protecting our oceans and what lives in them.

In some ways, I really wish it had been longer. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for a full length novel - be it middle grade or otherwise - from this author.

A powerful tale ideal for children who want to learn more about whales and the state of the ocean. Its told in an informative manner with good quality narration that shines through with the message of safety first and love for froends and the oceans. It could be used in a variety of settings and i think this is ac5 star listen for a very important issue.
Thank you netgallery and publisher and author and narrator. I hope this is used to educate our future