The Snail and the Whale
What’s inside...
This is the tale of a tiny snail and a great big grey-blue humpback whale. The snail longs to see the world and hitches a lift on the tail of the whale. Together, they go on an amazing journey, past icebergs and volcanoes, sharks and penguins, and the snail feels so small in the vastness of the world. But when the whale is beached in a bay, it's the tiny snail who saves the day. 'How I long to sail!' said the tiny snail. One little snail longs to see the world and hitches a lift on the tail of an enormous whale. Together they go on an amazing journey, past icebergs and volcanoes, sharks and penguins, and the little snail feels so small in the vastness of the world. But when disaster strikes and the whale is beached in a bay, it's the tiny snail's big plan that saves the day. The Snail and the Whale is a delightful tale of adventure and friendship by the unparalleled picture-book partnership of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, creators of The Gruffalo. This handy board book format is perfect for younger readers. It features the classic story with a stunning redesigned cover and beautiful finish, making it a must-have for even the smallest Donaldson and Scheffler fans! Also available in board book format and with striking redesigned covers are: The Gruffalo, The Gruffalo's Child, Room on the Broom, The Smartest Giant in Town, Monkey Puzzle, Charlie Cook's Favourite Book, and A Squash and a Squeeze.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the snail felt when it saw the vast ocean for the first time?
Why do you think the whale decided to help the snail see the world?
What does this story teach us about friendship and helping others?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone like the whale helped the snail?
How did the other snails’ opinions change by the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the characters' feelings, emphasizing empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of adventure and curiosity by relating the snail's journey to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Highlight the theme of collaboration by asking your child about times they have worked together with others to achieve a goal.
Reinforce the message of the story by discussing the moral of helping others and ask your child how they can apply this in their daily life.
Focus on the illustrations as well as the text to help your child understand the story’s settings and the emotions of the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Friendship and Teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Snail and the Whale,' the tiny snail and the huge whale form an unlikely friendship. They help each other tackle challenges during their journey, showing that friends can achieve great things together regardless of their differences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with classmates or siblings to solve problems or complete projects, learning that cooperation can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Courage and Adventure
Explanation: The snail shows bravery by venturing into the unknown, hitching a ride on the tail of the whale to explore the world. This highlights the rewards of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to new experiences, whether it's trying a new activity or making a new friend, teaching them the value of personal growth through courage.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: When the whale is beached and in danger, the snail quickly thinks of a plan to save her friend. The snail’s ability to write a message with its trail is a key part in summoning help.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of staying calm under pressure and thinking creatively to resolve difficult situations, skills that are applicable in everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story illustrates the beauty of the natural world through its vivid descriptions and the adventure of the whale and the snail. It subtly teaches the importance of taking care of our environment.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in environmental conservation efforts like recycling or planting trees, fostering an appreciation and responsibility towards nature.