Whistle for Willie 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
"Whistle for Willie" by Ezra Jack Keats is a delightful children's book that follows Peter, a young boy who is determined to learn how to whistle. Peter spends his days practicing, but no matter how hard he tries, he can't seem to make a sound. Through colorful illustrations and engaging storytelling, the book captures Peter's determination and the everyday adventures he encounters on his quest to whistle. As Peter explores his neighborhood, he discovers that whistling is not the only thing he can accomplish. With each new encounter, he gains confidence and discovers his own unique abilities. "Whistle for Willie" celebrates the joy of perseverance, the magic of childhood exploration, and the pride that comes from achieving personal goals. By the end of the story, Peter's hard work pays off, and he finally succeeds in whistling, showing young readers the importance of patience and never giving up on their dreams.
 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.
- Practice identifying the genre of a story by analyzing this picture book.
- Encourage students to use their summarizing and retelling strategies.
- Teach a lesson on making connections to enhance comprehension.
- Introduce or review how and why author’s use ellipses.
- Introduce students to quotation marks and provide examples from the book.
- Discuss what it means to persevere and why it is important.
- Lead a class discussion on goal setting.
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.
- The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
- Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats
- The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
- Madeline Finn and The Library Dog by Lisa Papp
- The Smart Cookie by Jory John
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!
