The Whale Who Sings

by Captain Coral

Some sounds are very big.

Grade 1: Early readers10 pages

A child learns about whale songs and how scientists study these mysterious communications

Characters

Tomoko

Grandma

+1 more

Japanese-Inspired

Story Arc

Tomoko liked to listen. The ocean made many noises. Some sounds were big splashes.

“Whales talk,” Grandma said. Tomoko looked at Grandma. “What do they say?” Tomoko asked.

Grandma bought tickets. They would go on a boat. The boat would look for whales.

The boat moved fast. The water was very blue. Tomoko held onto the railing.

Other people looked. Everyone waited for whales. The boat kept going.

A big dark shape came up. It was a whale. It made a sound.

It was a soft click. Then a long hum. Tomoko listened very hard.

The whale swam past. It lifted its tail high. Then it went deep under the water.

The boat turned around. Tomoko felt quiet. She still thought about the sounds.

“They have their own words,” Grandma said. Tomoko nodded. She knew.

Make one of your own next.

ocean: A very, very big body of saltwater, like a giant sea.; The ocean made many noises.
tickets: Pieces of paper you need to show to get into a place or ride on something.; Grandma bought tickets.
railing: A bar you can hold onto for safety, like on a boat or stairs.; Tomoko held onto the railing.
shape: The outside form or outline of something.; A big dark shape came up.
lifted: To move something up.; It lifted its tail high.
nodded: To move your head up and down to show you agree or understand.; Tomoko nodded.