Watchful Wishful Whirling Wandas Whale Pleas
It was December 2017 and our family was in Hawaii for just before Christmas. We met our friends Rick and Karen at an Italian restaurant. Karen and I were chatting about writing and whales. One thing led to another and we were brainstorming whale story concepts. Initially the idea was to write a story about a little girls who would see whales , tell everyone that she saw one but every time people looked there wasn’t one, so she would appear to be lying until finally she would be able to share the real experience with someone. Well I began writing with this intent and the story evolved another way in which everyone else sees the whales expect Wanda. I really wanted the grandparents to save the day, as so often grandparents have a way to make wishes come true…ordinary super heroes.
School Visit: What Can You Expect?
In costume, I will read the story to a group of students, ( The suggested maximum is no more than three classes. The reading would be more effective with one or two classes)
A copy of the book for the school
The option to use the book as a fundraiser. I will ask for $7.00 to cover my cost and the school or the classroom can set their own price for instance, the book could be sold for $12 which is almost 5 dollars less than regular retail price
Depending on time availability, I will conduct a writing workshop with the students in your class
The Backstory
Wanda watches wistfully wishing while whirling and twirling along sandy shores in hopes of seeing a whale. Coincidentally the whales seem to respond but who sees these whales sightings? This rhyming story celebrates a little girl’s optimistic determination to discover the awestruck wonder of one the largest animals in the world.
About the Illustrator
Keith has always drawn and painted. As a child, after the war when here were shortages of so many things, he would paint Christmas cards for the family to send to friends and relatives. In the early days most of his work involved pencil drawings and later he did many pen and ink drawings. This was complimented by his work as a draftsman for many years.
In recent years Keith has been drawn into the fascinating and often frustrating world of watercolour painting. He says sometimes it seems like the paints have a mind of their own which can often lead to surprising results, sometimes good and sometimes not so good. Keith draws inspiration mostly from the natural world, landscapes, seascapes, birds and animals in particular but recently he has turned his hand to portraits and figure painting. He sees each new painting as an exciting journey, never sure of where the path will lead but always interesting and rewarding. His immediate ambition is to embark on some large scale works which he sees as particularly challenging for the watercolour painter. Maybe he just needs larger brushes. Now, if he can just get the cat to move off his drawing-board…..
He has participated in the Sidney Fine Art Show several times and in 2015 earned Honorable Mention for his work titled “Family Elephant”.
Guide for Reading: PRC – Predictions, Reflections and Connections
Predictions
Predicting is an essential tool when developing as a strong reader. This story has been written to hook the young audience in engaging in predicable events.
Reflections
Reflecting throughout a book helps make a read personal and come alive. It reflects a readers level of comprehension. A more thoughtful and complex reflection and connection reveals and higher understanding as oppose to simple literal comparisons and or relating. They also allow for a reader to reflect and retell part of the story as they are reflecting and relating. A simplistic retelling usually reflects a more simplistic understanding.
Connections
Making connections allows a reader to develop their understanding of a story through inferences and noting details.