Chris Soul

One morning I glanced out the window and saw a whale floating in the sky. The whale was blue and grey, large and clumsy, yet he was just rolling along and gliding on the warm sunny breeze with surprising grace...

 

Originally published in 2015 in Ukraine and now published by Puffin in the UK this October, 'Cappy and the Whale' is a beautiful, poignant and heartfelt children's novella presented like a picture book with sublime, delicate illustrations throughout. Written by Kateryna Babkina and translated by Hanna Leliv with illustations by Julia Pylypchatina, it offers a snapshot into life in Ukraine while building empathy with children suffering from leukaemia. Puffin are donating profits of this book to the National Literacy Trust's campaign to support Ukrainian child refugees (details below).

​

When eight-year-old Cappy discovers a whale swimming outside of his bedroom window, it's fair to say he's quite surprised. What with his leukaemia, Cappy's used to not being allowed to do things he wants, he's delighted when the amazing whale not only speaks to him, but asks him to join him for a ride in the sky. Soon, Cappy and the whale are the best of friends, and together they will go on an amazing journey of imagination, hope and curiosity...

​

This is one of those books that has a raw, heart-wrenching power. Hanna Leliv has done wonders to translate Kateryna Babkina's emotional writing into deceptively simple, beautiful prose, hinged with sadness, wisdom and hope. Through stark, whimsical allegory, as Cappy feeds the whale his pills, there is huge emotional heft in the exploration of this boy's response to his leukaemia. I had to pause and savour each chapter - this is a book to contemplate and not rush. 

 

Comparisons have been made to 'A Monster Calls' and certainly this has the same gripping power, although 'Cappy and the Whale' feels more delicate, more obscure and, with the backdrop of Ukraine, more timely. It is almost impossible to imagine how a boy like Cappy might be coping in Ukraine today - but the book offers us a gut-wrenching glimpse.

​

There are lines that simply take your breath away and hold even greater weight considering the context in Ukraine today. For example, Cappy offers  'A List of Very Sad Things':

​

1) That Mum and Dad didn't make it.

2) When someone carries a pet travel box in the street, but the box is empty and there is no dog or even a cat inside.

3) When you forget good and happy things as quickly as bad things.

​

This is an extraordinary little book. 

​

Thank you to Puffin Books for sending me a copy to review. If you would like to donate to the campaign, please go here: www.literacytrust.org.uk/ukraineappeal

​

https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/453926/cappy-and-the-whale-by-babkina-kateryna/9780241615423

​