Welcome to Whalebone Mansion by Laken Slate and Bindy James - ADVISABLE

Welcome to Whalebone Mansion: creatures that lurk at a whale fall by Laken Slate, illustrated by Bindy James. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2025. $18. 9781623545789

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

What kinds of creatures lurk around a whale fall?

Slate tries to create a creepy, haunted-house-like tone to a whale fall and the creatures that feed off of and help disintegrate the bones.  Because Melissa Stewart’s (https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/2023/09/whale-fall-exploring-ocean-floor.html) and Lynn Brunelle’s (https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/2024/07/life-after-whale-by-lynn-brunelle-and.html) picture books treat a whale fall reverently, I did not appreciate the haunted tone here. The drama feels unnecessary. That being said, I do like learning about whale falls and I know children do too. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS