The Great Rock Whale

The Great Rock Whale

Ever wondered how the Kiama blowhole was created? Dive beneath the ocean depths and discover how a lonely whale transformed into one of the most beloved local landmarks- the Kiama blowhole.

The great whale is huge and lonely, lost in the vast oceans of the world. After thousands of years of futile searching for his family, he loses heart and stops to rest and sleeps under a cliff.

During this time, he starts to become one of the landscape and elements. His bones fuse, his skin hardens, and his body transforms into a rock. Still being a living force, he blows great lungfuls of air out through his body and thousands of people from all over the world come to watch, unaware that the great rock whale is this force.

One day he hears and sees sights and sounds that he recognises. At last he is reunited with his family of whales again as they migrate past him each year along the eastern seaboard of Australia. By being true to himself, and becoming one with ther world, he is founded by those he belongs to.

The Great Rock Whale is a beautiful modern Australian creation story with the resonating idea of belonging in the world today.

The Kiama Blowhole is an international tourist attraction. The spray made by the sea it is forced through a narrow, cave-like opening is the spray of the great rock whale.

Christine Paice is a poet and creative writing and poetry tutor, working with people of all ages. She is represented in anthologies and two poetry collections of her own, as well as publishing short fiction and a play. She lives in Kiama, NSW, with her husband and three children.

Wendy O'Malley is a visual arts facilitator, teaching primary school aged children and working on community arts projects. She has had numerous solo and group exhibitions and won several art prizes and scholarships. She also lives in Kiama with her partner and two sons.

The Great Rock Whale
Hachette Children's Books
Author: Christine Paice
Illustrator: Wendy O'Malley
ISBN: 9780734410658 (HB)
Price: $28.99
ISBN: 9780734411037 (PB)
Price: $16.99