Gasp!
What’s inside...
In 'Gasp!', author Terry Denton tells the story of a group of fish who embark on an unexpected adventure when they discover their tank is leaking. The fish, led by the eponymous Gasp, must work together to overcome obstacles and find a new home, learning valuable lessons about teamwork, courage, and the importance of taking care of the environment along the way. With its humorous illustrations and engaging narrative, 'Gasp!' is a delightful read for children and a reminder of the importance of perseverance and friendship.
Why read this book
- Vibrant illustrations capture children's attention and imagination.
- Encourages creativity and curiosity in young readers.
- Interactive plot fosters engagement and discussion.
- Supports language development and comprehension skills.
Age
7-9
Length
31 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jules Demarco
Sawyer Angotti
Trey Demarco
Discussion points
How did the fish feel when they faced different challenges, and what can we learn from them?
What are some creative ways the characters in the book solved their problems?
If you were one of the fish in the story, what would you have done differently?
How did working together help the fish in the story, and why is teamwork important?
What was your favorite part of the adventure and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story's themes to their own experiences by asking them how they have overcome obstacles or worked with others to solve a problem. Use expressive reading to bring the characters and situations to life, making the story more engaging and relatable. After reading, have your child draw their favorite scene or character from the book to deepen their connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Gasp!' the characters must work together to solve problems and help each other out of tricky situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of cooperating and collaborating with others, which is crucial both in school projects and in family activities.
Example Lesson: Environmental awareness
Explanation: The story highlights issues like water pollution and the need to keep our environment clean, as the fish characters face challenges related to their water being polluted.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to engage in activities that promote environmental cleanliness such as recycling and participating in community clean-up events.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem-solving
Explanation: The characters in 'Gasp!' often need to think creatively to navigate their way out of problems. This showcases the power of innovative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to use their imagination to come up with solutions in their daily challenges, fostering creative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Throughout the book, the actions of the characters lead to various consequences, teaching the reader about cause and effect.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their actions have impacts, guiding them to make more thoughtful decisions in real life.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the fish characters encounter different creatures and problems, they learn to understand and empathize with different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This promotes empathy in children, encouraging them to be considerate of feelings and viewpoints different from their own in school and at home.