Book cover for Whale Eyes: A Memoir about Seeing and Being Seen by James Robinson

Whale Eyes

A Memoir about Seeing and Being Seen

2026 Released
304 Pages
5-7 Hours
Ebook Unavailable
Audiobook Unavailable
Penguin WorkshopISBN 9780593523964
From Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker James Robinson comes a breathtaking illustrated memoir inspired by the viral Emmy-nominated short film Whale Eyes.

WINNER OF THE SCHNEIDER FAMILY BOOK AWARD - AN ORBIS PICTUS RECOMMENDED BOOK - A BEST BOOK THE YEAR: 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.

James Robinson

James Robinson is Imaging Manager at the John Rylands Research Institute and Library, University of Manchester

More by James Robinson

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