Oona 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
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SUMMARY
"Oona" by Kelly DiPucchio is a heartwarming story about a young mermaid who is eager to explore the world and is curious to find different treasures and adventures with her pet Otto. Oona faces many challenges trying to find new treasures such as a crown which causes her to lose her spark. Oona gains her spark back when she gains an idea from a sea shell that washes up on shore and travels it's way to Oona causing the sea adventures to begin again! The colorful and enchanting illustrations bring Oona's underwater world to life, captivating young readers. Through Oona's journey, children are inspired to embrace their own individuality and find the courage to be proud of who they are.
 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.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Discuss the different characters in the story and analyze their thoughts and actions.
- Analyze the setting of this book. Discuss where and when it takes place.
- Teach a lesson on making connections to enhance comprehension.
- Examine why writers might use italics.
- Introduce or review how and why author’s use ellipses.
- Discuss what it means to persevere and why it is important.
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.
- Everyone Loves Cupcake by Kelly Dipucchio
- Gaston by Kelly Dipucchio
- Grace for President by Kelly Dipucchio
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!
