STAR WHALE
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Forty fantastic poems and paintings from an internationally acclaimed duo, celebrating our beautiful planet. Discover a pangolin at dusk, fly on the bat’s back, visit a lion and hear about his plight; try the moth alphabet tongue-twister, meet fighting Tazzies on a night out in Tasmania or dream about the five-legged dog and three-legged cat! Then find out about real, huge Titanosaurus and amazing Coelacanths. You might spot a kingfisher, that ‘small glint of wonder’, and see how ‘wild reclaims the world’ in the urban night-time. These beautiful poems are perfectly melded with Petr Horácek’s gorgeous, glowing paintings and the combination is extraordinary – passionate, playful, thoughtful and exciting. Like the goldfinch in the final poem, this wonderful book will ‘set the heart free and flying’. Dreamy tales of animals and nature. The ostrich and the kiwi remember what it was like to fly, the bumblebee makes flowers, and the morning run talks itself up at the start of the day.
Age
6-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he saw the Star Whale for the first time?
What would you do if you met a creature like the Star Whale?
Why is it important to help and understand creatures that are different from us?
What do you think the Star Whale taught the boy about friendship and kindness?
How can we show kindness to animals and creatures in our own world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin your conversation by sharing your own thoughts or feelings about the Star Whale and its magical world, to inspire your child to open up about their own impressions.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story by asking what they would do in the boy’s place. This helps them connect more deeply with the book’s themes.
Link the story's themes to real-life situations, asking your child how they can show kindness or friendship in their daily interactions, much like the boy did with the Star Whale.
Praise your child’s responses to foster a positive and open conversational environment, making them more likely to engage in discussions about the book and its message.
After discussing the questions, consider revisiting the book’s illustrations with your child, pointing out details that might relate to their thoughts or feelings expressed during your conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Star Whale,' the young protagonist tries to help a lost star whale find its way back to the ocean, demonstrating care and understanding towards another being's feelings and needs.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing empathy in their interactions with friends and family, understanding that everyone has unique feelings and needs.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the challenges faced by the character while helping the star whale teach the importance of perseverance and creative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to persist in solving everyday problems, whether in schoolwork, sports, or friendships, using creative solutions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Helping Others
Explanation: The central theme of the book revolves around helping someone in need, as depicted by the protagonist's efforts to aid the star whale.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be helpful and considerate, promoting altruistic behaviors in their community and social circles.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The child's journey with the star whale sparks curiosity about marine life and the natural world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and learn more about their environment, fostering a lifelong passion for knowledge and discovery.