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What’s inside...
Describes a year in the life of a male sperm whale who lives most of the time in cold Arctic waters, except for the time he goes south to tropical waters to mate.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-10
Length
31 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to be as big as a whale?
How do you think the whale's size helps it in the ocean?
If you could talk to the whale, what would you ask it?
Why is it important to protect whales in the oceans?
How do you think the story would change if it took place near the shore instead of the deep ocean?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they already know about whales. This primes their engagement with the story.
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, modulating your voice for different characters and parts of the story.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene. Discuss what they liked about it.
Link the story to real-world facts about whales, perhaps by looking up a quick video or article about whale habitats.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think the whale feels during key moments in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy towards animals
Explanation: The story delves into the life of a whale, showcasing its journey and the challenges it faces in the ocean. This narrative helps children understand and empathize with different creatures' experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing kindness and understanding towards animals they encounter, fostering a sense of responsibility and care for living beings.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community
Explanation: Whales are depicted traveling in pods, relying on each other for protection and companionship, which mirrors the importance of family and community in human lives.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate and contribute to their own families and communities, understanding the strength and security that comes from unity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The whale faces numerous challenges, including natural predators and environmental hazards. The story highlights the whale's resilience in overcoming these obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere through their own challenges, whether at school, in sports, or in their personal lives, understanding that endurance and courage are key to overcoming difficulties.
Example Lesson: Environmental conservation
Explanation: The threats to the whale's habitat, such as pollution and climate change, are highlighted in the story, teaching children the importance of protecting the environment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage in environmentally friendly practices like recycling, conserving water, and learning more about how their actions can affect the global ecosystem.