This reader’s impression was written and sent to LitNet on the writer’s own initiative.
The boy and the whale shark
Written and illustrated by Cayla Lewis
Published by LAPA
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“Who you are is much more important than what is on your skin.”
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The boy and the whale shark is a tender, quietly powerful middle-grade story that gently explores identity, confidence and self-acceptance. At the centre is Ben, a boy who longs to join a kayaking club but struggles with insecurity about a skin condition that makes him feel exposed and different. His world begins to shift after an unexpected encounter with a whale shark – a meeting that feels almost magical, yet deeply grounding.
What I especially loved is how the ocean setting isn’t just a background, but something that shapes the emotional rhythm of the story. Knowing it is set around Boulders Beach made it even more special for me. I actually took the book there to “meet the locals”, which made the reading experience feel beautifully connected to real life and place. It’s not far from home, and that sense of familiarity added an extra layer of warmth to the story.
The whale shark becomes more than just an animal encounter; it feels like a quiet symbol of acceptance and calm strength. Through this connection, Ben slowly learns that confidence isn’t about changing who you are, but about stepping forward as yourself, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Cayla Lewis writes with a gentle honesty that makes Ben’s emotional journey feel very real. His fears of judgment are handled with care, never exaggerated, and the message lands softly but meaningfully: Self-kindness is just as important as the kindness we show others.
There’s a dreamy, reflective quality throughout, especially in the ocean scenes, where the natural world mirrors Ben’s inner growth. The whale shark lingers in the imagination long after the story ends – calm, steady and quietly transformative.
Thoughts from my 10-year-old:
I loved the whale shark because it came to help Ben. I thought Ben was very brave for swimming with it. I liked Sipho and Ben, but I didn't like Reece because he was mean and told lies about Ben. Why did he do that? I also liked visiting Boulders Beach after reading the book, because it was so cool to see the place where the story happened.
Ultimately, this is a story about courage in its most subtle form: showing up, speaking gently to yourself and learning to belong in your own skin. Tender, hopeful and memorable. Every child deserves a proverbial whale shark – something unexpected yet gentle, guiding them to love themselves.