When the Whales Came

The story unfolds during the First World War, casting a shadow over a small island community. Men go to sea or to the front, while families contend with shortages and uncertainty. Fear, suspicion, and resilience color daily life as the islanders endure together.

Bryher is a rugged island community whose economy relies on fishing and self-sufficiency. The nearby island Samson is avoided by locals and tied to legends of a curse. The coast and beaches frame the children's adventurous world.

🤝 Friendship

Gracie and Daniel form a secret, meaningful bond with the Birdman, a deaf hermit who is misjudged by the island. The trio's trust and shared adventures demonstrate how empathy can bridge fear and suspicion. Their alliance helps them navigate danger and protect fragile community ties.

💪 Courage

The community faces war, hostility, and superstition. The children risk approaching Samson and defending the Birdman, while adults confront threats to the village’s safety. Their collective effort to save beached narwhals and later the whales shows courage in the face of threat.

🕯️ Truth vs Myth

The legend of Samson’s curse is interrogated as the Birdman shares history, dispelling fear with evidence. Islanders learn to challenge superstition with dialogue and cooperative action. Harmony emerges when fear gives way to understanding.

🪵 Craft & Memory

Daniel learns carving from the Birdman, becoming skilled enough to craft a seabird that carries memory and friendship. The carved seabird surfaces as a tangible symbol of connection between Gracie, Daniel, and their mentor. Craft becomes a vessel for preserving stories and healing wounds.