Whales
Pebble plus. Series
What’s inside...
From the beloved science writer Gail Gibbons, immerse yourself in the sea with the latest and updated edition of 'Whales'. This illustrated book provides a deep-dive into the biology of whales for young readers, exploring their anatomy, evolution, diet, and more through simple text and watercolor art. Discover fascinating facts about how whales breathe, the size of a blue whale, and their use of echolocation. Learn about recent whale rescue efforts and gain insights into different species through captions that introduce vocabulary words and key facts. A 'Whale Tales' section offers bonus trivia, making 'Whales' a vital tool for conversations about protecting this magnificent species. Part of the 'Explore the World... with Gail Gibbons' series, the book promotes active learning, good citizenship, and student leadership.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you learn about the different types of whales in the book?
How do whales communicate with each other?
Why do you think it's important to protect whales in the ocean?
How do you think a whale's size affects its life in the ocean?
What was your favorite fact about whales and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the illustrations in the book and what they think each scene represents about whale life.
Use a globe or a map to locate the oceans where different whales are found, enhancing geographical knowledge along with biological understanding.
Link back to the book by asking your child to recall specific details about the whales’ habits and characteristics discussed in the book.
After reading, watch a short documentary or read another book about ocean life to reinforce the knowledge gained and compare what they have learned.
Discuss the importance of marine conservation and how each individual's actions can help protect ocean life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for wildlife
Explanation: The book provides detailed insights into the lives of whales and emphasizes their importance in the marine ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect the role of each creature in nature, promoting responsible behavior towards wildlife and the environment.
Example Lesson: Importance of conservation
Explanation: Gail Gibbons discusses the threats faced by whales, including pollution and hunting, and the need for protective measures.
Real-World Application: It instills a sense of responsibility in children to take part in or support environmental conservation efforts, such as recycling or participating in community clean-ups.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and learning
Explanation: The book covers various species, habitats, and behaviors of whales, feeding the natural curiosity of children about the natural world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore, ask questions, and seek out more information, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards animals
Explanation: By illustrating the emotions and social behaviors of whales, the book helps children relate to these marine mammals on an emotional level.
Real-World Application: This can translate into greater empathy and kindness towards all animals, reinforcing positive societal values.
Example Lesson: Understanding ecosystems
Explanation: The book shows how whales are an integral part of marine life and affect the health of ocean ecosystems.
Real-World Application: This knowledge helps children understand the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the importance of maintaining balance in nature.