Could a Whale Swim to the Moon?

Animals Superpowers Series

illustrations by
4.41
on Goodreads (46)

What’s inside...

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if a blue whale was your friend? This imaginative book places animals in everyday scenarios to teach readers about their size, diet, and other characteristics. The engaging question and answer format, paired with superb illustrations, keeps young readers entertained while helping them understand and retain animal facts. For example, a whale might make an enormous valentine card on Valentine's Day to show off her big heart!
Series reading

Non-Sequential

Age

4-7

Length

24 pages

Text complexity

Discussion points

What do you think it would be like for a whale to swim all the way to the moon?
How do whales communicate, and what might they say about their journey to space?
If you were a whale, what would you pack for a trip to the moon?
What are some differences between the ocean and space that the whale might notice?
Who would be the whale's friends on the moon, and what adventures would they have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine creatively by asking them to describe the whale’s journey using their senses.
Relate the whale's adventure to personal experiences, such as a time your child tried something new or traveled to a new place.
Facilitate connections between the story and real-world facts about whales and space, helping to blend learning with imagination.
Use the discussion to build empathy by asking how the whale might feel in unfamiliar surroundings, tying in emotions and personal feelings.
Prompt your child to draw a scene from the story or create an alternative ending, which helps in retaining interest and enhancing comprehension.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The narrative follows a young whale as it imagines traveling beyond the sea to explore the moon, encouraging curiosity about the natural world and beyond.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to ask questions and explore new topics, whether by reading further, engaging in school projects or exploring nature.
Example Lesson: Understanding Animal Behavior
Explanation: Through whimsical storytelling, the book provides insights into whale behavior and habitats, making learning engaging and accessible.
Real-World Application: Children can observe animals in their surroundings or during a zoo visit with a more informed and empathetic perspective.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Dreams
Explanation: The whale's journey represents the power and importance of dreams and imagination, showing children that it's okay to dream big.
Real-World Application: This empowers children to envision their own goals and aspire towards them, regardless of how unattainable they might seem.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: By discussing the ocean and its inhabitants, the book subtly encourages awareness and respect for the environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking care of the environment, which can manifest in actions like recycling or participating in local clean-up initiatives.

Could a Whale Swim to the Moon? by Camilla De La Bedoyere