If you’re looking for a picture book that sparks curiosity, encourages deep thinking, and gets students asking meaningful questions, Derek by Anne Donaldson and Matt Shanks is a wonderful choice for Book Week 2026.
At first glance, Derek seems to have everything he could possibly need. He lives safely in his fishbowl and is cared for by a loving family. But Derek can’t stop wondering about the world beyond the glass. What is out there? What else might be possible? His curiosity leads him on an unexpected adventure that is sure to capture the imagination of young readers.
As I work through the 2026 CBCA Book of the Year shortlist, Derek is one of the books I’m most excited to explore with my students because it naturally encourages questioning, discussion, and creative thinking.
Why Read Derek in the Classroom?
One of the things I love most about Derek is that it celebrates curiosity. Derek’s questions drive the story forward and encourage students to think about the importance of wondering, exploring, and learning about the world around them.
The book also provides opportunities to discuss:
- Curiosity and inquiry
- Taking safe risks
- Exploring new experiences
- Perspective and point of view
- Asking meaningful questions
- Growth and learning
These themes make Derek an excellent choice for Kindergarten to Year 3 classrooms.
Activities I’m Planning to Use with My Students
We Have So Many Questions! Display
After reading the story, students will reflect on the questions they have about the world around them.
Using the fishbowl craft activity, students place a photo of themselves onto a fish template and write their own big questions inside speech bubbles. Questions might include:
- Why is the sky blue?
- How do birds know where to fly?
- What is beyond our solar system?
- Why do leaves change colour?
The completed fishbowls create a meaningful classroom display that celebrates curiosity and encourages students to keep asking questions.
Perfect for Book Week 2026
Whether you’re looking for meaningful literacy activities, engaging classroom discussions, or a display that showcases student thinking, Derek offers countless opportunities for learning.
I wanted this resource to be easy to prepare while still providing meaningful learning experiences that help students connect with the story and its themes.
If you’re planning your Book Week 2026 activities, Derek is definitely a title worth adding to your classroom reading list.
Looking for Ready-to-Go Activities?
I’ve created a comprehensive Derek Book Companion filled with printable worksheets, vocabulary activities, comprehension tasks, writing prompts, word searches, a crossword, and the “We Have So Many Questions!” fishbowl craft display.
It’s designed specifically for Kindergarten to Year 3 students and makes it easy to bring this wonderful story to life in your classroom.
You Might Also Enjoy These Book Week 2026 Activities
If you’re planning your Book Week 2026 program, I’ve got plenty of resources and activity ideas to help make the week engaging, meaningful, and easy to prepare.
Check out these related blog posts:
- Creating a Frog-Friendly Garden with Frogs Are Our Friends
- Book Week Costume Ideas for Teachers (That Are Fun, Easy & Cheap!)
- Teaching the Difference Between Telling and Dobbing with Bob and Dob for Book Week 2026
And check out my Book Week resource collection, and each one includes ready-to-use resources, classroom activities, and practical teaching ideas that you can take straight into your classroom. Happy Book Week planning!
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