Sophie Solves the Narwhal's Wish
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Sophie was having a terrible week at school, but her perspective changed during a science expedition in Greenland. There, she befriended a curious narwhal named Georg, who helped her explore various scientific and mathematical concepts. Through their adventures, Sophie learns about capacity, volume, surface area, and more. The book promotes curiosity and scientific exploration, tying in themes of friendship and personal growth. It's ideal for young scientists or mathematicians, suitable for independent reading or as a read-aloud, and includes thought-provoking questions to further engage readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Sophie wanted to help the narwhal make its wish come true?
What are some ways Sophie showed kindness and perseverance throughout her adventure?
How do you think the narwhal felt when its wish was granted?
If you were in the story, what would you wish for and why?
What did you learn from this story that you can use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to those of Sophie, promoting empathy and understanding.
Highlight Sophie’s traits, such as bravery and kindness, and discuss with your child how they can embody these traits in daily life.
After reading, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite part of the book, which can spark further conversation about the story's themes.
Use the narwhal's wish as a starting point to discuss the importance of helping others and the impact of small kind gestures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Sophie helps the Narwhal solve its dilemma about fitting in with other sea creatures, showcasing how to approach and resolve challenges creatively.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and creatively when faced with personal or academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sophie shows genuine concern and understanding for the Narwhal’s feelings, teaching the value of caring for others' emotions.
Real-World Application: This can guide children in developing strong interpersonal relationships by understanding and respecting the feelings and perspectives of others.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Sophie and various sea creatures collaborate to help the Narwhal, highlighting the benefits of working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to value cooperative play and teamwork in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Celebrating Uniqueness
Explanation: The story emphasizes the Narwhal's unique traits as strengths, promoting self-acceptance and the celebration of individual differences.
Real-World Application: Helps children appreciate their own and others’ unique qualities, reducing the likelihood of bullying and increasing self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Sophie's continued efforts to help the Narwhal despite initial setbacks illustrate the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of persisting through difficulties whether in learning new skills or overcoming personal obstacles.