Reading Activity for "Driftwood Secrets". Inspired by Why the Whales Came

*Text Inspired by Why the Whales Came by Michael Morpurgo .

Driftwood Secrets

On the remote Isle of Saint Maen, young David Pentreath is drawn to the sea’s enigmatic depths and the legends that swirl around them. When a fierce storm separates him from his father, David discovers an ancient piece of driftwood that holds the key to finding him. Guided by the cryptic advice of the island hermit, Old Tom, David embarks on a journey that leads him to the Driftwood King, a mysterious ruler of the sea.

Years later, as Saint Maen faces a devastating drought, David and his family must once again seek the Driftwood King’s aid. Together with his curious son Thomas and his quiet, perceptive son Ben, David delves into the island’s forgotten traditions to restore balance and harmony.

“Driftwood Secrets” is a heartwarming tale of courage, wisdom, and the timeless bond between humans and nature. Rich with the charm of island folklore and the power of the sea’s mysteries, this story captures the spirit of adventure and the enduring legacy of respect for the natural world.

Perfect for readers who cherish the magic of Michael Morpurgo’s storytelling, this short story weaves a tapestry of love, resilience, and the whispering secrets of the waves.

** Text and 40 questions. **

40 questions based on the story.
Mixture of prediction, inference, retrieval, explanation, thinking, clarification, vocabulary and summarizing questions.
Activity: Design a captivating book cover for “Driftwood Secrets.”
Blurb
Glossary of ”Driftwood Secrets”

Bonus:

10 activities based on the story “Driftwood Secrets” to engage students and deepen their understanding:

Questions help reinforce comprehension and recall of the stories events, characters and themes.

Answers supplied.

Suitable for KS2 and KS3.