The Whale (2) (Lighthouse Family)
#2 of 8 in Lighthouse Family Series
What’s inside...
Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the second book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which the family helps reunite a baby beluga whale with its mother. Pandora, Seabold, Whistler, Lila, and Tiny have all been enjoying the love and comfort that being a family brings. It is a comfort they are unexpectedly reminded of when Whistler and Lila hear the cries of a lonely baby beluga whale named Sebastian. When they learn that he has lost his mama, the Lighthouse Family, with the help of a cranky but noble old cormorant named Huck, does all it can to bring Sebastian and his mother together again.
Discussion points
What do you think the whale represents in the story?
How do you think the lighthouse family felt when they encountered the whale?
What would you have done if you were in their place?
Why do you think helping others is an important theme in the book?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading the book, ask your child what they know about whales and lighthouses to spark their interest.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they feel about the characters' decisions and actions.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves as part of the lighthouse family, and ask how they would handle similar situations.
After finishing the book, discuss the broader message about community and helping others, relating it to your child's own experiences.
Create a fun activity such as drawing their favorite scene or writing a letter to one of the characters, to deepen their connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and helping others
Explanation: In the story, the characters display kindness and empathy by helping a lost baby beluga whale find its family.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize when someone needs help and taking action to assist them, whether it’s helping a peer with a task or showing empathy to family members.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, the lighthouse family works together to solve the problem of reuniting the baby whale with its family. This teamwork is critical to their success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of cooperation and collective problem-solving, which can be applied in group projects at school or collaborative play with peers.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: The characters confront their fears and uncertainties as they venture into the unknown to help the whale.
Real-World Application: This story can inspire children to face new challenges with bravery, whether it’s trying out a new activity or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Resilience and persistence
Explanation: The characters do not give up despite the challenges they face in their quest to help the whale.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persistence and resilience in overcoming obstacles, whether in completing a difficult school assignment or dealing with personal setbacks.