Arnica Esterl

Originally published as Okino und die Wale, this picture-book from Arnica Esterl - a prolific children's translator whose fairy-tale work includes the German editions of a number of Hans Christian Andersen's tales, from Däumelinchen (Thumbelina) to Die Schneekönigin (The Snow Queen) - contains a story within a story, as a mother tells her young son an ancient tale concerning a woman who follows her daughter into the sea, striking a bargain with Iwa, the Great Mother of the Ocean, in order to free her child.

I'm not sure whether this tale is inspired by any work of mythology or folklore, or is the author's original creation, and Esterl provides no information on that score, but I found the resulting narrative rather uneven. Truthfully, I picked Okino and the Whales up because of the gorgeous cover art (and because I love whales), and I think Marek Zawadzki's illustrations are the real strength here. The cool serenity of his underwater scenes, and the warmth of those he sets on land, make an appealing contrast. I will definitely have to keep my eye out for more work by this Polish illustrator!… (more)

Okino brings her son, Takumi to the sea to watch the whales. She begins to tell her son a story about a little girl who wondered to the sea bottom to the Royal Palace of the whales. The girls mother began to frantically search for her and finds her behind the wall of the Royal Palace. In order for the mother to get her daughter back, she is given a lengthy task from Iwa, the Great Mother of the Ocean. Once completing the task, she is able to get her daughter back. As Okino ends the story, she looks down only to realize that Takumi has fallen asleep.… (more)