Read Aloud & Teachers Resources

What Teachers Are Saying:

"My students really enjoyed listening to the story." — Jesse Randolph, 2nd Grade Teacher, Hillcrest Elementary ★★★★★

"Engaging, educational, and perfect for young readers." — Payton Guerriero, Teacher, Amity Elementary ★★★★★

"I really liked the kindness and curiosity message, and the science of the Mariana Trench." — Sherrie Johnson, GATE Facilitator, Pierce Park Elementary

"My students love your book! We are reading it in small groups." — Drusilla Black, Teacher

From the Author: Andrew Signore

“I spent years as a camp counselor working with kids ages 6–9. I know the moment a book loses a kid — and I know the moment it doesn't.

I wrote Charlotte & Henry for exactly that reader. This guide is everything I'd want a teacher to have on day one."

WHY TEACHERS LOVE THIS BOOK

Built for the Classroom. Loved by Kids.

Everything your emerging readers need — in one adventure.

  • Short chapters perfect for emerging and early chapter book readers

  • The ideal "bridge book" between picture books and longer chapter books

  • Built-in STEM: real ocean science, deep-sea exploration, and animal facts

  • Supports SEL: courage, curiosity, kindness, and teamwork on every page

  • Aligned with Common Core ELA and NGSS for Grades 1–3

  • Includes real historical explorers: Jacques Cousteau, Steve Irwin, Sylvia Earle

A page from an educational book titled "Adventures of Charlotte and Henry: The Mariana Trench" showing a section called "Standards Alignment" for Grades 1-3 ELA. The table lists standards and their application, including key ideas, character and events, vocabulary, point of view, illustrations, narrative writing, discussion, and word meanings.

ABOUT THE BOOK

What's the Story?

When Charlotte and her loyal dog Henry discover a mysterious glowing book, they're swept seven miles below the ocean's surface — all the way to the Mariana Trench.

Along the way they rescue a sea turtle, ride a humpback whale, and dive in a real submersible alongside some of history's greatest ocean explorers. By the time they surface, Charlotte has learned that bravery isn't the absence of fear — it's choosing to keep going anyway.

Told in lyrical, spare prose with short chapters and striking black-and-white illustrations, this is the adventure story kids ask to read again.

A girl with shoulder-length hair and freckles, wearing a jacket and a vest, is looking out a large circular window on a spaceship or spacecraft. She has her hand on the window and is accompanied by a small, fluffy dog with a happy expression. Another person, possibly a boy with short hair, is in the background, looking out the same window. The interior appears to be metallic with control panels around the window.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TEACHER'S GUIDE

Everything You Need — Already Done For You

Your free Teacher's Guide includes:

  • Pre-Reading Activities — KWL chart, prediction questions, and map activity

  • Vocabulary Development — 15 key terms with kid-friendly definitions and example sentences

  • Chapter-by-Chapter Comprehension — Literal, inferential, and critical thinking questions for all 12 chapters

  • STEM Connections — Ocean zones, pressure experiment, bioluminescence lesson, and explorer profiles

  • SEL Discussion Prompts — Courage, curiosity, kindness, and teamwork reflections

  • Writing Activities — 5 narrative and creative prompts tied directly to the story

  • Extension Projects — Hands-on activities including dioramas, research, and design challenges

  • Answer Key — Suggested answers for every comprehension question

Excerpt from a teaching guide titled 'Adventures of Charlotte and Henry: The Mariana Trench,' showing questions and answers about the book's chapters, including learning about the glowing book, Old Lomey, and a sea turtle tangled in a fishing net.

HOW TO USE IN THE CLASSROOM

Flexible Enough for Any Setting

Page from an educational book titled 'Adventures of Charlotte and Henry: The Mariana Trench'. It contains a section labeled 'SECTION 6 — STEM CONNECTIONS' with subsections about ocean zones, a deep-sea pressure experiment, and bioluminescence in science talk. The text explains ocean zones, pressure experiments with bottles, and glow-in-the-dark deep-sea animals.

This book and guide work across multiple classroom formats — no extra planning needed.

  • Whole-class read-aloud with discussion stops built in

  • Small group instruction using the leveled comprehension questions

  • Literacy centers with the vocabulary and writing activities

  • Homeschool unit studies combining science, literacy, and character development

  • Sub plans — the guide is self-contained and easy for anyone to pick up and use

STEM + SEL

Science Meets Story

Real ocean science is woven throughout every chapter — from ocean zones and deep-sea pressure to bioluminescent creatures and animal adaptations. Learning happens without students even noticing.

Characters That Grow

Charlotte doesn't start out fearless. She starts out curious — and keeps going anyway. That's a message worth discussing in every classroom.

Real Explorers, Real Inspiration

Students meet Jacques Cousteau, Steve Irwin, Sylvia Earle, and Claudius Ptolemy as living guides — turning history and science into characters kids actually remember.