Whale Done
#8 of 9 in FunJungle Series
on Goodreads (1,667)
What’s inside...
In the eighth novel in New York Times bestselling Stuart Gibbs’s FunJungle series, Teddy Fitzroy returns as FunJungle’s resident sleuth to find the culprits behind a blown-up whale and a string of beach sand thefts. After an escaped kangaroo starts a fire that burns down his house, Teddy Fitzroy accepts an invitation to go to Malibu with his girlfriend, Summer, and her mother, Kandace. He’s hoping to spend some time relaxing on the beach, but wherever Teddy goes, trouble isn’t far behind. First, a massive dead whale has washed up on the beach—and before anyone can determine what killed it, it explodes. Doc, the head vet from FunJungle, suspects something fishy is going on and ropes Teddy and Summer into helping him investigate. Then, Teddy stumbles upon yet another mystery involving tons of stolen sand. And the paparazzi start spreading rumors about Summer dating a celebrity, leading Teddy to question their relationship. Without Summer as his trusted partner, can Teddy navigate the rough waters of this glitzy world and uncover what’s going on?
Character compass
Teddy Fitzroy
Marge O'Malley
Summer Mccracken
J.j Mccracken
Discussion points
What do you think makes the whale in the story special? How do you think the characters feel about the whale?
Why is teamwork important in the story, and can you think of a time when you worked with others to solve a problem?
How did the characters change throughout the book? What caused those changes?
What would you have done if you were in the main character's shoes when they faced their biggest challenge?
How do you think respecting wildlife impacts our environment? Can you think of ways we can help animals in our community?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking about your child's favorite part of the book or character. This eases them into the discussion and makes it more personal. Be attentive and show interest in their responses, which encourages them to open up more. Relate themes from the book to real-life experiences or family values to make the conversation more meaningful. Finally, praise their thoughts and ideas to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Whale Done', the characters work together to solve the mystery, highlighting the significance of teamwork and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each member's contribution.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: The story demonstrates effective communication between characters to achieve common goals, emphasizing how misunderstandings can be avoided.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of clear communication with friends and family, helping them express their feelings and resolve conflicts peacefully.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book's setting and interactions with marine life underscore the importance of respecting and protecting the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in environmental conservation activities such as recycling or beach cleanups, fostering an appreciation for the natural world.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonist’s quest to uncover the truth demonstrates the power of curiosity and its role in driving knowledge and discovery.
Real-World Application: Kids are prompted to ask questions and seek answers, enhancing their understanding and interest in learning both in and outside of school.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book show empathy towards each other and the animals, teaching the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice empathy in their daily interactions, leading to more harmonious relationships and a deeper understanding of those around them.