Skip to Main Content

Ida and the Whale

Illustrated by Simon Röthlisberger
Published by NorthSouth Books
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
LIST PRICE $17.95

About The Book

What lies behind the sun, the moon, and the stars?

Ida can’t stop thinking about these and other very important questions. Then one night, a flying whale wakes her and takes her on an amazing journey—where some of her questions are answered and even more created.

This gentle, philosophical tale is a visual treat sure to fill curious little listeners with wonder.

About The Author

Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger were both born in Switzerland and live together in Thun near forests, mountains, and fresh air. Rebecca is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer who studied at the HKB (Bern University of the Arts) and likes to have her head in the clouds. Simon is a trained graphic designer currently working as an art director and has been known to hoist a sail or two. Every now and then the two work together as a team, wielding pen and pencil side by side.

About The Illustrator

Simon Röthlisberger and Rebecca Gugger were both born in Switzerland and live together in Thun near forests, mountains, and fresh air. Rebecca is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer who studied at the HKB (Bern University of the Arts) and likes to have her head in the clouds. Simon is a trained graphic designer currently working as an art director and has been known to hoist a sail or two. Every now and then the two work together as a team, wielding pen and pencil side by side.

Product Details

  • Publisher: NorthSouth Books (March 26, 2019)
  • Length: 32 pages
  • ISBN13: 9780735843417
  • Grades: P - 2
  • Ages: 4 - 8

Browse Related Books

Raves and Reviews

Themes of curious exploration, growth, and friendship are all introduced in this whimsical, delicate way, accompanied by evocative illustrations...The endpaper illustrations deftly underscore the enrichment that results from journeys. Enchanting and intriguing.

– Kirkus Reviews

From storms to growing to loneliness, Ida and the Whale is a special little book that I could see becoming a favourite for any child whose imagination leaves them feeling inspired and yet alone at the same time...This is a wondrous book that any child is likely to connect with on some level.

– Epic Stitching

Combined mediums of watercolor, pen, and computer graphics illustrate the beautiful and philosophically situated worlds Ida and the flying whale visit on their journey.

– OmniLibros

In this magical picture book we join Ida and her whale friend and go on a journey that encourages us to think about our own journeys. Sometimes, like Ida, we have to change our perspective so that we can understand others. Sometimes we have to learn how to weather storms, and how to embrace silence.

– Marya Jansen-Gruber, Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Review

A lesson in empathy and a tribute to friendship, this gentle book provides comfort to readers who might be experiencing unfamiliar change. Whimsical, colorful, and detailed illustrations will captivate young readers with wonder and curiosity.

– School Library Journal

Resources and Downloads

High Resolution Images

More books from this author: Rebecca Gugger

More books from this illustrator: Simon Röthlisberger