Loneliness, With Author Benji Davies

If you’ve ever been in the Green Room with Jess and Arielle, then you’ve probably heard a story or two by Benji Davies. His collection of “Storm Whale” books features a child named Noi, who lives with his dad and six cats by the sea. Every day, Noi stays behind while his dad goes fishing in the ocean for work. We follow Noi’s adventures in these books, and watch as he manages feelings of isolation and loneliness in his home.

It’s easy to empathize with Noi. During the current global pandemic, we have all felt a bit of the same. It’s important to acknowledge these feelings, and normalize the idea that children can also access these deep emotions on a daily basis. Check out these ideas from Boston-based “Team Impact” to help children feel a little less lonely, or visit mass.gov and cdc.gov for tips on managing stress and isolation during COVID-19 for adults.

Our favorite Benji Davies “Storm Whale” books:
1. The Storm Whale (2014)
2. The Storm Whale In Winter (2016)
3. Grandma Bird (2018)
…and…
4. Grandad’s Island (2016)
Our last favorite Benji Davies book is NOT a “Storm Whale” book, however, you will see a peek of the whale tails if you look hard enough in the illustrations! The fourth book, “Grandad’s Island,” features a boy named Syd who goes on a journey across the ocean with his Grandfather, in order to say ‘goodbye’ to him.

Watch these stories being read on the FJECC YouTube channel!
Jess reads “The Storm Whale”
Jess reads “The Storm Whale In Winter”
Jess reads “Grandma Bird”
Jess reads “Grandad’s Island”

**Note** This photo was taken pre-COVID.