Kristine L. Franklin shares Jimmy Joe's joy when he comes face to face with a whale in The Gift. Jimmy Joe is excited to board a small motorboat and head out to sea in search of salmon. Yet, his innate respect for marine life reveals itself when "All at once Jimmy Joe saw nine glossy black backs and short dorsal fins in the water. Pffffsst-HAH! went the sound, exhaled through blowholes the six of his fist." Illustrations by Barbara Lavallee are uniquely beautiful An insightful young marine biologist may point out that there's more than one gift in this story. I love stories that emphasize firsthand experiences with the natural world. "First we must learn to love nature. Then comes conservation," said Tamilisai Soundararajan.
Baily Sturdy has a Speaking and Listening - Whales activity with links to a video and podcast. Sprout Learning has a 15-page Whale's Tale Activity Pack for Pre-K and grade 1. Amy Lynn Teachers has Ocean Themed All About Me Back to School Activities.
