Foster, M. (2007). Whale port. Illustrated by Gerald Foster. New York: Houghton

            Mifflin.  ISBN: 9780618547227

4Q/3P

Tuckanucket is a fictional whaling town established in the late 17^th century. Full-page illustrations accompany text that describes the hunting and products of the whale as well as chronicling the ebb and flow of the port’s economy during disasters and wars. When the whales finally see protection in 1973, the community’s economy is once more boosted by tourism that includes whale-watching expeditions.

Media: Fine pen and watercolor

Several aspects of the whaling industry are described, including history and products that contributed to the economic development of the United States. Viewed from a microcosm in the form of an east coast whaling port (which is an amalgamation of several real ports), the port’s economy ebbs and flows from external influences like natural disasters, war, product competition, and ultimately, a ban on whaling. However, the port reinvents itself by developing a tourism-based economy with museums and whale-watching expeditions. The book offers a good example of how economies function, how they are affected by other factors, and how social/political/economic changes can actually be opportunities rather than fatal blows to an economical system.

TK 4/29/08