Parents' Guide to The Last Whale Singer

The plot of this whale tale doesn't exactly chart new waters, but its lush, vibrant animation and constant stream of fascinating facts about ocean creatures will keep kids hooked. Vincent and his remora "nanny" Walter migrate through different parts of the world in The Last Whale Song—from warm, sunny climates to cold, iceberg-occupied waters and even a floating trash heap—encountering the cute, funny, and colorful marine life that occupies those areas (highlights include the walrus king of a garbage island, a wise seahorse who operates a meditation center, and a bohemian dolphin and an overly intelligent jellyfish who are seeking enlightenment). And, that's just above the surface. Below, they wander into different water worlds that are guaranteed to spark wonder while dropping nuggets of information (sea cucumbers poop a lot! whales, unlike fish, need oxygen! rivers exist under the ocean!).

Vincent's situation is much more high-stakes than many viewers will ever encounter—he's the only one capable of saving the ocean from destruction!—but kids can see him as an example. Everyone around Vincent knows that the power lies within him to do great things; in fact, the only one who doesn't know that is Vincent. Self-doubt is an anchor that can sink our potential to live our best life, and when kids can see Vincent should at least try, it just might encourage them to do the same.