Whale

Balea

Book Summary

Balea is a unique object-book that defies the traditional picture book format. It is a large, double-sided mural, folded like an accordion, depicting a massive metallic whale submerged on the ocean floor. Surrounded by seaweed and brightly colored fish, the scene comes to life with friendly divers in yellow suits, the silent protagonists of this visual experience. Upon turning the page, the reader discovers the interior of the contraption, divided into numerous rooms. It is here that imagination becomes the true guide of the reading experience.

What is it about?

Balea invites you on a journey of visual exploration. In the foreground, we observe the exterior of the mechanical whale, a metal giant immersed in a vibrant marine ecosystem. By unfolding the accordion and shifting perspective, we access its interior: a space divided into multiple rooms such as the control room, the kitchen, the garden, the workshop, the gym, or the bedrooms. Without text or dialogue, the work becomes an open stage where the reader must imagine what is happening in each room, what the crew members are preparing, or what those in charge of the garden are talking about.

Main themes

• Visual exploration and textless narrative.
• The reader's imagination and creativity as the engine of the story.
• Community life and organization of spaces within an underwater habitat.
• The relationship between technology and nature through a mechanical cetacean.
• Change of perspective and discovery through the fold-out format.

Who is it recommended for?

Recommended for children ages 3 and up, as well as adults interested in innovatively formatted picture books. It is ideal for readers who enjoy visual storytelling, imaginative play, and non-linear reading experiences. It is also very suitable for educators and mediators looking to foster creativity and oral expression based on images.

What this book contributes

• Stimulates the imagination and the ability to create one's own stories from images.
• Offers an interactive and surprising reading experience thanks to its accordion format.
• Develops observation and attention to detail while exploring the different rooms of the whale.
• Encourages dialogue and shared storytelling between adults and children.
• Presents an original approach to underwater life and mechanical fantasy.

Technical specifications

• Author: Fernández, Federico; González, Germán
• Publisher: Kalandraka
• Language: Spanish
• Subject: Picture books, fiction and real stories for children and young adults
• Collection: Non-series
• Binding: Hardcover
• Publication date: November 2015
• Number of pages: 2
• Weight: 296 g

Editorial assessment

Balea stands out for its bold and visually striking formal proposal. By eliminating text, the work appeals directly to the reader's creative capacity, turning each reading into a unique experience. The accordion format and the detail of the illustrations invite a leisurely and repeated exploration. It is a title especially suited for those looking for books that go beyond conventional narration and offer a high-quality visual and narrative stimulus.