"Flippers paddle. Flukes push. In every ocean on Earth, humpback whales swim." Richly hued charcoal pencil and pastel illustrations accompany a text that narrates a mother and calf humpback from the youngster's birth through their migration from the Caribbean Sea north to the feeding grounds of Stellwagen Bank off Massachusetts and back again. Their journey includes encounters with escort whales, orcas, a whale-watching boat, and other humpbacks. The description of the pair's trip is supplemented with several text blocks that offer additional information about humpback whales and their environment. (Ages 5-8)

In this latest book by acclaimed science writer April Pulley Sayre, young readers follow along as a mother humpback whale and her calf make their annual trek from the warm waters of the Caribbean to their summer feeding grounds off the coast of New England and back again. Within this extraordinary story of migration, Sayre provides information about how humpback whales breathe, sing, and how they got their name?a secondary layer of text expands upon the more intricate details. But aside from the basics about the humpback whale species, HERE COME THE HUMPBACKS! also delves into the dangers these whales face?from other mammals and sea life such as hungry orcas, to man-made threats like pollution and giant ships. Jamie Hogan?s stunning, rich pastel illustrations complement Sayre?s text beautifully, and make this book a great choice for a read-aloud in the classroom, library, or at home.