Jonah and the Whale (and the Worm)
on Goodreads (51)
What’s inside...
Provides a retelling of the Old Testament story about a stubborn man named Jonah who learns an important lesson about love and forgiveness after encountering a large whale and a little worm on the high seas, enhanced with brilliantly colored illustrations from the author and illustrator of Daniel in the Lions' Den.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-11
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Jonah felt when he was inside the whale?
Why do you think the whale decided to swallow Jonah?
What can we learn from how Jonah resolved his situation?
How do you think the worm helped Jonah in the story?
If you were Jonah, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters, and compare those emotions with their own experiences.
Discuss the importance of problem-solving and making choices, drawing parallels to Jonah's decisions in the story.
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, which can help your child develop a deeper connection to the story.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to engage their creative thinking.
Relate the moral of the story to everyday life, helping your child see the relevance of the lessons learned.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Jonah and the Whale (and the Worm)', Jonah learns to understand and empathize with the whale, despite initial fear and misunderstandings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these lessons by learning to empathize with classmates who may seem different from them, fostering inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Forgiveness
Explanation: Throughout the story, the theme of forgiveness is prominent as Jonah forgives the whale, demonstrating the power of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice forgiveness with siblings and friends, which can help resolve conflicts and strengthen relationships.
Example Lesson: Following Directions
Explanation: Jonah’s adventure teaches him the consequences of not following instructions and the benefits when he starts to follow the guidance provided.
Real-World Application: Kids can relate this to following directions at home or in school, understanding the importance of listening to and respecting authority figures.
Example Lesson: The Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The story vividly illustrates how every action has a consequence, as seen when Jonah's initial decisions lead to challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their choices have impacts, encouraging them to think before acting, whether it be in their interactions with others or their personal decisions.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Personal Growth
Explanation: Jonah’s journey in the story highlights his resilience and ability to grow from his experiences, particularly from adversities.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persevere through their own challenges, whether they're academic struggles or personal obstacles.