Finn's First Song

The story tells you about different types of fish and what makes each one different … I give this book 10 out 10 and my little sister Kate really liked it too. She’s 5 years old

Grace (10 yrs old), St. Joseph’s NS, Mulhussey, Co. Meath

* Seomra Ranga *

Gerry Daly, illustrator of the hugely popular Where are you Puffling? takes another dip into Irish waters with Finn’s First Song … This “whaley big adventure ” takes a similar tack to Puffling’s solo travels around the Skelligs, with Finn the humpback whale becoming separated from his parents during his first journey to the Irish coast. Too young to have developed effective whale communication, Finn turns to other sea creatures for help, but the advice given by the jelly fish, squid, and dolphins he encounters fails to locate Finn’s family. Necessity is the mother of invention, however, and Finn summons all his power to let out a sound sequence rarely if ever seen in print. “Thwop! thwop! whoop, whoop, whoop, dwooooooooerp! dwooooooooerp!” goes his first whale song — and if that doesn’t inspire some expressive sound effects from the adults reading this book aloud to children, then nothing ever will

* Evening Echo *

The gentle, episodic story and bold illustrations bring a distinct personality to the seabed while introducing young readers to memorable facts about how sea creatures communicate, from the twinkling lights of crystal jellyfish to colour changing squids and ink-squirting octopi. Be warned, however: it is the wonderful whoop and whirring whale song that young readers will want to imitate

* Irish Times *

A real treat for young readers. The vivid illustrations pull the reader in to Finn’s ocean home from the get go and the text is paced well to allow children to enjoy the underwater scenes as they travel with Finn on his journey to Ireland. Daly cleverly weaves big themes into this story as Finn learns to find his own voice … As Finn searches for his Mum we get to meet a range of sea creatures and learn about the different ways they communicate. While Daly’s story is not focused on the impact humans have on the environment there are elements of the story and its illustrations that touch on this theme. These will be useful conversation prompts to introduce children to the importance of looking after the planet. Young readers will relate to Finn and will want to read more of his ocean adventures

* Children's Books Ireland *

An undersea adventure about overcoming fears and finding your voice … From one of the creators of Where Are You Puffling? Gerry Daly is back creating another splash! This time it’s with an amazing under sea journey and a joyful discovery. Finn’s First Song will captive young readers. When Finn gets lost and is scared, an array of sea creatures offer advice and try to help him overcome his fears and find a way to get his parents’ attention. Packed full of bright, charming illustrations of friendly sea creatures and fascinating whale facts, this book is an uplifting story that will be enjoyed by readers of all ages. 3+

* RTEjr *

Lovely book … by author and illustrator Gerry Daly, who brought us the hugely popular Where Are You, Puffling?...Young readers learn all about how sea creatures communicate in a fun story full of interesting facts. Good for discussions about the importance of looking after our seas too

* Sunday Independent *

A great one for reading aloud … Expect magical whale songs (make your own sound effects) and underwater family drama

* Irish Independent *

It’s so much fun to read out loud … can make it really interactive … every page is beautifully illustrated, it’s all filled with a vast array of sea animals, there’s a very subtle environmental message

-- Louisa, Raven Books * RTE Radio 1’s The Ray D’Arcy show *

a real treat for young readers. The vivid illustrations pull the reader in to Finn’s ocean home from the get-go, and the text is paced well to allow children to enjoy the underwater scenes as they travel with Finn on his journey to Ireland. Daly cleverly weaves big themes into this story, as Finn learns to find his own voice. While Daly’s story is not focused on the impact humans have on the environment, elements of the story and its illustrations touch on this theme.

* CBI Deliver the Joy of Reading *

glorious … bright, fun

* Irish Independent *

all manner of aquatic fauna co-operate to reunite a lost whale with his pod

-- saltwire