Not Quite Narwhal is part of our Starts With a Story Collection, which includes more than 550 picture book companions based on high quality children’s literature that support you in delivering highly-engaging interactive read alouds with follow up activities. Learn more about this children’s book below! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
Â
SUMMARY
"Not Quite Narwhal" by Jessie Sima tells the story of Kelp, a unicorn who was born and raised underwater with a family of narwhals. Although he looks a bit different from the other narwhals, Kelp embraces their way of life. However, one day he discovers a group of unicorns on land and realizes that he is different. Kelp embarks on a journey to explore his true identity and find where he truly belongs. Along the way, he meets new friends and learns valuable lessons about acceptance and being true to oneself. The book beautifully explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the importance of finding one's own place in the world. With its charming illustrations and relatable characters, "Not Quite Narwhal" is a heartwarming tale that celebrates diversity and individuality.
 USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
Our read aloud lesson plans for this picture book come with reading comprehension questions (with sample student responses), 30 writing prompts, teaching ideas for grammar skills, social emotional learning discussion ideas, and more. Check out our list below to get a sneak peek at some of the skills this resource teaches.
- Analyze the illustrations in the story. Discuss how they provide meaning that the words might not.
- Practice comparing and contrasting after you read the book.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Discuss the different adjectives used in the book.
- Explain to students the various ways to use a comma.
- Explore examples of inclusion in the story.
- Discuss a social emotional learning concept such as resiliency.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30Â writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
This book is a must have for your school or classroom library. Your students are going to love completing these activities for the book and you will be impressed with how much they learn. You will want to read this book to your class every year.
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will love the similar books listed below, which can all be found in our free picture book list.
- Gaston by Kelly Dipucchio
- The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew Daywalt
- Red: A Crayon's Story by Michael Hall
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
