The Whale Who Swam Through Time
on Goodreads (165)
What’s inside...
The Whale Who Swam Through Time is a nonfiction picture book that traces the 200-year lifespan of a bowhead whale. It documents the whale's experiences in the Arctic, from a tranquil era to one dominated by human activities like oil drilling and tourism. The book features detailed illustrations and provides insights into how human actions have altered ecosystems, serving as a call-to-action for environmental conservation. It has been selected as a 2023 OSTB Title.
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Bowhead Whale
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to swim through time like the whale in the story?
How do you feel about the journey the whale goes on, and why do you think it's important?
What can we learn from the whale’s experiences about taking care of our oceans?
If you could ask the whale one question about its adventures, what would it be?
What kind of changes do you think the whale saw in the ocean over time?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know about whales and time travel, building curiosity about these concepts.
Pause at pivotal moments in the story to ask your child how they think the whale might be feeling, enhancing their empathy skills.
After reading, use a globe or map to track the whale’s journey, tying the story to tangible geography and enhancing learning.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, helping them express their understanding and feelings about the story creatively.
Discuss the importance of marine life and ocean conservation, relating the themes of the book to real-world issues.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The whale in the story faces various challenges in its lengthy journey through the oceans but continues to push forward despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that facing difficulties with resilience can lead to achieving goals, helping them to not give up easily in their own challenges, whether in school or in personal growth.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The book details the whale's interactions with its natural environment, showcasing the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be more environmentally conscious and understand the impact of their actions on the world around them, promoting activities like recycling and conserving water.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The whale's journey is also one of discovery, encountering various marine creatures and habitats, which speaks to the thrill of exploration and learning.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore new subjects, ask questions, and develop a love for learning, both inside and outside the classroom.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: As the whale encounters other sea creatures, it learns from and helps them, demonstrating compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, helping them build better relationships and foster a kind and inclusive environment in their communities.
Example Lesson: Understanding the impact of time
Explanation: The longevity of the whale's life allows it to experience changes in its environment over centuries, illustrating the concept of time and change.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children grasp the importance of history and change over time, encouraging them to think about how past events shape the present and future.