A whale's habitat is very different from our own. The water has dulled some senses while strengthening others. Scientists are discovering more everyday. There are wonderful water related poems available. The bibliography contains a few resources.
Poems can add to any lesson at any point in the book.
I have supplied a few throughout the curriculum. The following is an anticipation guide. This document can be read to or by the students at the beginning of the story. First, have the students answer the questions on their own. Then pair them up to discuss the answers and talk about differences that they may have.