The Fisherman & the Whale
As a father and son end their day at sea, the young boy spots a whale caught in fishing lines. Although resistant at first, the boy’s father gives in to his son’s urgent plea and swims to the creature in need, carefully cutting the whale free from captivity. This book is wordless; however, the watercolor illustrations speak volumes about empathy and the connection among all living creatures. An author’s note at the end of the book requests this book be read as a fable rather than a guide to whale rescue, but also provides information about the realistic consequences of whale entanglement that sets the stage for the story. Quiet and powerful, this book will capture readers’ hearts as they read and revisit the story.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Engage children in activities that can protect the environment and prevent harm to living creatures by talking about ways they can help. For example, children can use paper on both sides to reduce waste, turn off things like lights and the water faucet when not in use, reuse items such as plastic bags, and recycle their trash. Adults can model these practices, too, and help children connect how these activities have an impact beyond their classroom or home. Children may also want to learn more about different types of whales, how they breathe, what they eat, and other fun facts.
Wordless books invite children to co-author the story, as they make predictions, think critically, and recognize story structure. Encourage adults to start with the cover of the book when reading with children, asking them to think about what they see and predict what might happen in the story. When reading the story together, adults can ask questions that prompt narration such as, “What do you see in this picture?” or “How do you think the character is feeling?” Children may need more time to look at each page when reading, so adults can let them take the lead in turning pages when they feel ready. After reading, respond to children’s concern for the whale by reminding them of things we all can do to make the world safer for our pets and other animals. One simple practice that can be introduced is to cut plastic six-pack beverage rings before recycling or discarding them, so that fish and other animals don’t get stuck inside the circles.