130,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery 🚀 | Visit our Auckland bookstore • Open 7 days, 8:30am–5pm

Whale Eyes

A Memoir About Seeing and Being Seen
By James Robinson
0.0 (0 reviews)
Brief Description
Whale Eyes by James Robinson has received 5 STARRED REVIEWS: "Lively, interactive...truly eye-opening." - Booklist "A sincere reflection on childhood...growing up in a world not built with him in mind." - Publishers Weekly "A superb middle grade memoir that champions empathy and understanding on every level."... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$3700

International Supplier

This title is in-stock with overseas suppliers. While it is not available locally, we fly books in weekly from the US and UK to our Auckland warehouse for immediate dispatch.

AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 2-3 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

From Emmy Award–winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes a breathtaking illustrated memoir for readers ages 10 and up—inspired by the viral, Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Whale Eyes by James Robinson has received 5 STARRED REVIEWS:

"Lively, interactive...truly eye-opening." - Booklist

"A sincere reflection on childhood...growing up in a world not built with him in mind." - Publishers Weekly

"A superb middle grade memoir that champions empathy and understanding on every level." - BookPage

"Game-changing curriculum add for any teacher" - The Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books

"A moving memoir...this is an important book for all readers." - School Library Journal

From Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes a breathtaking illustrated memoir for middle-grade readers (and adults, too)—inspired by the viral, Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes.

Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award and an Orbis Pictus Recommended Book, Whale Eyes has been named one of the best books of the year by School Library Journal, NPR, BCCB, New York Public Library, and Chicago Public Library.

Told through an experimental mix of intimate anecdotes and interactive visuals, this book immerses readers in James's experiences growing up with strabismus, allowing them to see the world through one eye at a time.

Readers will get lost as they chase words. They'll stare into this book while taking a vision test. They'll hold it upside down as they practice "pretend-reading" and they'll follow an unlikely trail toward discovering the power of words.

With poignant illustrations by Eisner Award-nominated artist Brian Rea, James's story equips readers of all ages with the tools to confront their discomfort with disability and turn confused, blank stares into powerful connections.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780593523964

Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 17 March 2026

Country: United States

Imprint: Penguin Workshop

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Brian Rea

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 141.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 465g

Pages: 304

Collections

Children's Books Children’s & Teenage Non-Fiction Children’s, Teenage and Educational James Robinson Penguin Books

About the Author

James Robinson is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker and video producer for New York Times Opinion. James speaks to audiences across the country, from grade school to grad school, about disability, filmmaking, and getting people to care. Visit him online at byjamesrobinson.com. Brian Rea produces drawings and paintings for books, magazines, murals, fashion, and film projects around the world. He is the weekly illustrator for the New York Times column Modern Love. He is an adjunct associate professor at Art Center College of Design and a member of Alliance Graphique Internationale. His first authored book, Death Wins a Goldfish (Chronicle Books), was nominated for an Eisner Award and was optioned for television. Visit him online at brianrea.com.

Also by James Robinson

View all
  • Welcome to the Maynard
    From the celebrated creators behind Starman and Super Friends comes this magical comics tale of crime and theft in the world of hospitality. Welcome to the Maynard! A grand hotel full of luxury and style... but where the guests are all wizards, witches and mythical creatures! Enter a world of magic, mystery, thrills, and fun. Join Philippa (Pip) Dale as...
    By J. Bone and James Robinson
    Paperback
    $4500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • How to Listen When Markets Speak
    The first investment playbook to make sense of our radically reshaped global economy, with new strategies to get ahead of the market in uncertain times. 'Any investor with skin in the game needs to buy this book.' — Niall Ferguson From Wall Street to the White House, the fantasy of an eventual 'return to normal' is still alive and well....
    By James Robinson and Lawrence McDonald
    Paperback
    $3200
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Lives of the Great Makers (Victoria & Albert Museum)
    A series of fascinating, well-illustrated biographies that offer insights into the women and men whose work in the applied arts represents the very pinnacle of their craft. This fascinating, richly illustrated anthology of the lives and careers of some of the most accomplished craftspeople represented in the V&A's collection celebrates the pinnacle of creative accomplishment. Their pioneering designs, technique and...
    By Rebecca Knott and James Robinson
    Hardback
    $8500
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Waffle: The Word Game
    The popular online puzzle makes its print debut! Of the many games that appeared online in the wake of the Wordle craze, Waffle is one of the best: easy to understand, fun to solve—and surprisingly well-suited to pencil-and-paper solving. The basic rules are simple: You are given a mini-crossword in which the letters have been scrambled. Letters on green squares...
    By James Robinson
    Paperback
    $2999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • The Lewis Chessmen
    This lively book considers the various fascinating stories which have evolved to explain the ownership, concealment and discovery of the pieces, whilst also placing them in the wider context of the ancient game of chess and secular art of the Middle Ages. The Lewis Chessmen consist of elaborately worked walrus ivory and whales' teeth in the forms of seated kings...
    By James Robinson
    Paperback
    $1295
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks
  • Starman Compendium One
    When the original Starman's old foe, The Mist, continues an old vendetta, Jack Knight is forced into a role he's spent his whole life denying... Jack will have to pick up Starman's Cosmic Rod. When Jack Knight is forced to pick up the Starman's Cosmic Rod, he finds himself flung into a life he never wanted for himself... but it...
    By Tony Harris and James Robinson
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Kingfisher Knowledge: Inventions
    Kingfisher Knowledge is a comprehensive series for readers hungry for information on today’s hot topics. Using lively, engaging text and state-of-the-art digital artwork, the series covers an immense range of subjects in impressive depth and is a major educational resource.
    By James Robinson
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Wonder Woman Volume 8
    Wonder Woman Volume 8 sees our heroine seeking answers from the gods of the Greek pantheon about the strange new beings barreling toward Earth – but can she convince her creators not to abandon their creation? Discover the outcome in Wonder Woman Volume 8: Dark Gods! A new host of deadly deities is on the march, blazing a path of...
    By Jesus Merino and James Robinson
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Starman Compendium Two
    Who will continue the Starman lineage and carry the Cosmic Rod? And who will protect Opal City? Starman Compendium Two includes thrilling tales of both Jack Knight's time as Starman and Ted Knight's time in the role. These action-packed adventures feature familiar faces like Batman and The Shade, as well as some unexpected friends, such as Hellboy! Discover who else...
    By Mike Mignola and James Robinson
    Paperback
    Sold Out

More from Children's Books

View all
  • New Release
    Gruffalo Granny
    The brand new Gruffalo picture book from Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The Gruffalo said to his daughter one day, "Your Gruffalo Granny is coming to stay." Return to the deep dark wood with the first new Gruffalo story in over 20 years, and meet Gruffalo Granny as she visits the Gruffalo family. This fresh and exciting new Gruffalo adventure...
    By Julia Donaldson
    Hardback
    $2499
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Lottie Brooks’s Twelve Disasters of Christmas
    From hilarious MEGA bestselling author, Katie Kirby, comes a new story collection from the world of Lottie Brooks! But this time... it's not about Lottie! From hilarious MEGA bestselling author, Katie Kirby, comes a new story collection from the world of Lottie Brooks! And it's CHRISTMAS! In The Completely Chaotic Christmas of Lottie Brooks we spent the holiday season with...
    By Katie Kirby
    Paperback
    $1799
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Wahine
    New Release
    Wahine
    From a majestic mermaid to a clay woman, the creator of glaciers to the mother of gardening, discover powerful wahine and how their stories shaped the world around us. Wahine introduces readers to twelve purakau of brave, bold, and inspiring women of Aotearoa. A beautifully illustrated collection that will delight the whole whanau, from award-winning illustrator Isobel Joy Te Aho-White....
    By Isobel Joy Te Aho-White
    Hardback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Sweet As Looky Book
    New Release
    The Sweet As Looky Book
    Can you find all the chocolate fish? Is it possible for kiwi to fly? Can you spot the difference? See Aotearoa New Zealand through the eyes of award-winning artist Donovan Bixley in The Sweet As Looky Book. Use your finest skills to seek out pirates in the Bay of Islands and birds in Rakiura Stewart Island. Get in a car...
    By Donovan Bixley
    Hardback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    The Day of the Dinosaur Disaster
    Angry anacondas, blizzarding blobs, carnivorous cactuses ... what kind of twisted curse will Glam-Evil think up this time?!Only it's not just Glam-Evil's curse the gang needs to worry about; they've got a few other problems, too. Swooping Pteranodons, a hungry T-Rex, a missing mother, and ... is that ... an ASTEROID?!Join MILES AND JONES as they face their biggest challenge...
    By Sam Smith
    Paperback
    $1400
    Elsewhere:
    $1499
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    The Neverfear
    A world of richly-imagined wonder Cressida Cowell It’s the Midsummer Feast on the Islet of Glimt and on this magical moonlit evening, the word on everyone’s lips is bandits. Reports of masked men burning villages are spreading throughout the Archipelago, but worse is still to come: Christopher and Anya are ambushed and one of the people they love most is...
    By Katherine Rundell
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Mari the Unwonderful Witch
    A charming, cosy and thought-provoking tale about a wonderfully unconventional little witch, by bestselling author of BUTTER, Asako Yuzuki. Perfect for fans of WICKED, KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE, and THE HATMAKERS series by Tamzin Merchant - and anyone who likes an enchanting adventure with just a hint of mischief. Mari the Unwonderful Witch introduces us to Mari, an eleven-year-old witch who...
    By Asako Yuzuki
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2400
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    Animalia 40th Anniversary Edition
    A beautiful, foiled collector's edition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Graeme Base's classic and bestselling Australian picture book, Animalia. Embark on a fantastical alphabetic adventure where each turn of the page unveils a rich tapestry of intricate illustrations tied to a unique letter of the alphabet. More than 5 million copies sold worldwide Children's Book Council of Australia (CBCA)...
    By Graeme Base
    Hardback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • New Release
    The Comeback Kid
    Charlie Boy might be just an ordinary kid, but he's about to get into some EXTRA-ordinary trouble... Get ready for this funny, fast-paced, friendship adventure with lots of kick. Meet Charlie Boy: skinny, small, looks like a strand of spaghetti. He and his best friend, Rocky the Lower Hutt Chief, are good at getting into trouble together. But when Charlie...
    By Airana Ngarewa
    Paperback
    $1799
    Elsewhere:
    $1999
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Millie from Milford
    New Release
    Millie from Milford
    Based on the true story of Ruth Shaw and her husband Lance looking after a baby seal that had been shot between the eyes. Millie from Milford lives in Milford Sound, the number one tourist destination in Aotearoa New Zealand. After Millie was checked by a vet, she was taken to Ruth and Lance's home to be looked after until...
    By Ruth Shaw
    Paperback
    $2299
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • The Case of the Tall Stranger: Violet and the Velvets 4
    New Release
    The Case of the Tall Stranger: Violet and the Velvets 4
    But disaster strikes when guitarist Jack breaks his wrist and can no longer play. On top of that, all their hard work fundraising has fallen short! When help comes from unexpected channels, the Velvets make it to the Big Apple just in time to compete against the best kid bands in the whole world, including their new rivals the Blazer...
    By Rachael King
    Paperback
    $1600
    Elsewhere:
    $1899
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow
  • Pocket Observology
    New Release
    Pocket Observology
    Pocket Observology is a practical field guide designed for those who love to explore and understand the natural world around them. Slip this guide out of your pocket to identify, measure, compare, or find clues to the things you encounter every day in nature. This pocket guide is a useful tool and a fun reminder of how to engage with...
    By Giselle Clarkson
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships tomorrow

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

Children's Books lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all