The Whale Who Sings

by Captain Coral

Tomoko wondered about ocean secrets.

Grade 1 (Level G): Early readers10 pages

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

Characters

Tomoko

Grandma

Japanese-Inspired

Story Arc

Tomoko loved her coastal town home. The sea breeze made her hair dance. She often wore her white headphones.

“Today is whale day,” Grandma said. Tomoko bounced with a happy smile. They would ride a big boat.

The boat was big and blue. It gently rocked on the waves. Tomoko held Grandma’s hand.

They sat near the front. Tomoko took a deep breath. She looked out at the wide, blue sea.

“Do whales really talk?” Tomoko whispered. Grandma patted her hand softly. “They have their own ways.”

Suddenly, a great spout of water burst up! A huge whale jumped. Tomoko gasped.

Tomoko put on her white headphones. She heard a low, humming sound. It was like a very soft song.

The song grew louder, then faded. No words, but a deep feeling. Tomoko felt a gentle pull.

She looked at Grandma. Tomoko took off her headphones. She smiled a small, happy smile.

“They *do* talk,” Tomoko said. “They sing.” Grandma nodded. Everyone has a way to connect.

Make one of your own next.

coastal: This means near the sea or ocean.; Tomoko loved her coastal town home.
breeze: This is a light, gentle wind.; The sea breeze made her hair dance.
headphones: These are things you wear on your ears to listen to sounds.; She often wore her white headphones.
bounced: This means to jump up and down a little bit.; Tomoko bounced with a happy smile.
gently: This means in a soft and careful way.; It gently rocked on the waves.
whispered: This is to speak very softly.; “Do whales really talk?” Tomoko whispered.
suddenly: This means happening quickly and without warning.; Suddenly, a great spout of water burst up!
burst: This is to come out suddenly or with a lot of force.; Suddenly, a great spout of water burst up!
gasped: This means to take a quick, sharp breath, often because of surprise.; Tomoko gasped.
humming: This is a low, steady singing sound.; She heard a low, humming sound.
faded: This means to get gradually quieter or dimmer, or to disappear.; The song grew louder, then faded.
connect: This means to join or bring together.; Everyone has a way to connect.