This gorgeously illustrated nonfiction picture book shows the unique ecosystem of a whale fall. A massive blue whale dies, and her decomposing body nourishes various marine life, from scavengers to microorganisms, on the ocean floor over more than a century. Jason Chin’s watercolors beautifully depict the process in all its phases.
“Life after whale” is informative and awe-inspiring, a fascinating look at a deep sea ecosystem that reminds readers of the vastness of the ocean and nature’s unending cycle. I loved the range of ocean colors in the illustrations. My two favorite illustrations show the living blue whale breaking the surface in a dynamic lunge for a mouthful of krill, with gulls flying overhead, and the dark ocean floor 100 years later, the whale’s bones being broken down by a host of tiny worms.
Recommended for ages 4-8, but people older than 8 interested in the food web and marine life can enjoy, too.
Life After Whale is the winner of the 2025 Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award. Read more about all the 2025 ALA Youth Media Award Winners here.