The Snail and the Whale
By Julia Donaldson
What's special about this book?
In 'The Snail and the Whale,' Julia Donaldson beautifully captures the essence of adventure and friendship through the unlikely duo of a tiny snail and a majestic humpback whale. Kids are drawn to the vibrant illustrations and rhythmic storytelling that make the journey feel alive, while parents appreciate the powerful message that even the smallest creatures can make a significant difference in the world. This heartwarming tale encourages children to dream big and highlights the importance of courage, compassion, and teamwork.
Read-aloud tips
Set the scene for reading by finding a cozy spot that feels like an adventure, perhaps with soft pillows or a blanket to mimic the ocean waves. Use varied tones in your voice, giving the snail a soft, gentle voice and the whale a deep, resonant tone to bring the characters to life. Make it interactive by asking your child to help you make whale sounds during the story and to imagine where they would travel if they were a snail on a whale's back.
Discussion questions
- What are some things the snail sees on its journey with the whale?
- Can you think of a time when you helped a friend or when a friend helped you?
- If you could go on an adventure like the snail and the whale, where would you want to go and why?
Fun activities
Create your own ocean adventure by crafting a simple paper whale and snail using colored paper or cardboard. As you make them, talk about what kind of places the snail and whale visited together and what they might see. This is valuable as it encourages creativity while reinforcing the themes of friendship and exploration. Alternatively, you can go outside and look for small creatures like snails or insects, discussing how each one plays a role in our world, promoting curiosity and appreciation for nature.