Is It a Mermaid? By Candy Gourlay and Francesca Chessa

Summary

In the charming story 'Is It a Mermaid?' by Candy Gourlay, Benji and Belle discover a creature on the beach that they initially mistake for a mermaid. The creature, a gentle dugong, insists she is a mermaid, but Benji disagrees, pointing out her sea cow features. Despite the misunderstanding, they bond with the dugong, sharing music, swimming, and play. The dugong teaches them the importance of forgiveness, and at sunset, she bids them farewell, promising to return. The story highlights themes of empathy, friendship, and understanding differences.

Takeaways

• 😀 Benji and Belle discover a creature on the beach and wonder what it is.
• 😀 The creature claims to be a mermaid but is quickly identified by Benji as a 'Dong' (dugong).
• 😀 The creature, a dugong, explains that mermaids love to sing, leading to a playful interaction.
• 😀 Despite Benji’s initial resistance, the dugong continues to sing and enjoy her time at the beach.
• 😀 Benji and Belle both argue about whether the creature is a mermaid or a dugong, highlighting their differing perspectives.
• 😀 The dugong's feelings are hurt when Benji points out her physical characteristics, like her flippers and snout.
• 😀 Benji realizes he has hurt the dugong’s feelings and apologizes, learning about the dugong’s sensitivity.
• 😀 The dugong forgives Benji and emphasizes that mermaids (dugongs) are very forgiving creatures.
• 😀 Benji and Belle spend the rest of the day playing with the dugong, singing, and swimming together.
• 😀 As the sun sets, the dugong says goodbye, explaining that mermaids never stay out after dark, but promises to return.

Q & A

What do Benji and Belle first spot on the beach?

Benji and Belle first spot a mysterious creature on the beach that they initially think is a mermaid.

How does the creature respond when Benji calls it a 'dong'?

The creature, who is a dugong, corrects Benji, telling him that she's not a 'dong' but a mermaid.

What is the creature's reaction when Benji insists it's a 'dong'?

The creature, feeling hurt, tries to convince Benji by showing off her mermaid tail and singing, but Benji remains unconvinced.

What does the dugong (the creature) do after Benji refuses to believe she's a mermaid?

The dugong continues to sing and dance, showing off her swimming skills, which are a mermaid's favorite thing, according to her.

Why does Benji call the creature a 'dong'?

Benji calls the creature a 'dong' because she has flippers and a snout, characteristics that remind him of a sea cow (a dugong).

How does the dugong react to Benji calling her a 'dong'?

The dugong is initially hurt but hides her tears. She later reveals that mermaids are sensitive and forgiving, showing understanding.

What does Belle say when she realizes the dugong might not be a mermaid?

Belle says, 'Oh no,' expressing disappointment, but she still wishes she could be a mermaid too.

How does Benji feel after realizing he hurt the dugong's feelings?

Benji feels terrible and apologizes, acknowledging that he hurt the dugong's feelings by calling her a 'dong'.

What do Benji and Belle do for the rest of the day?

Benji and Belle spend the rest of the day playing with the dugong, singing, swimming, and having a fun time together.

What lesson does the dugong teach Benji and Belle?

The dugong teaches Benji and Belle about the importance of forgiveness and understanding, and that mermaids (and dugongs) are forgiving creatures.

What happens at the end of the story?

At the end of the day, the dugong says goodbye, reminding Benji and Belle that mermaids never stay out after dark. Benji and Belle walk home, appreciating their new friend and talking about how they love mermaids.