Talk About the Story
Reading and Language Arts

Invite children to talk about the story. Ask:

• How did Swimmy feel when he escaped from the tuna and swam alone in the deep sea?
• What helped Swimmy feel happy again?
• Why didn't the new school of fish want to swim and play and see things?
• Did Swimmy think the fish were right to lie still so they wouldn't get eaten? Why do you think Swimmy thought what he thought?
• What did Swimmy do to help the fish solve their problem?
• Why do you think Swimmy offered to be the eye of the fish?

NOTE: The author Leo Lionni has said that he identifies with Swimmy because Swimmy wanted to be the eye of the fish, the one who sees for others. In the introduction to Frederick's Fables (Knopf, 1985), Lionni writes, “Like Swimmy, the creator of picture books for children has the responsibility to see for the others. He has the power and hence the mission to reveal beauty and meaning.”