Ahoy!
What’s inside...
Join a child captain and parent first mate as they embark on a wild high seas adventure…all without leaving the living room! This imaginative romp of a picture book is filled with glorious illustrations from a beloved Caldecott Medalist and New York Times bestselling creator. Raise the mainsail! Batten the hatches! Set sail on a fantastical journey through the imagination, where sea creatures and pirates abound, and the only limit is the creativity of a child's mind.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to go on an adventure like the characters in 'Ahoy!'?
How do the different characters in the book help each other, and why is teamwork important?
If you could be friends with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you do together?
How did the story make you feel? Were there parts that made you excited or curious?
What is one lesson you learned from 'Ahoy!' that you can use in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their responses to foster confidence.
Use the illustrations in 'Ahoy!' to spark imagination, asking your child to describe a scene or what might happen next.
Link themes from the book to real-life experiences, such as teamwork in family activities or handling emotions during an adventure.
Pause your reading at exciting moments to predict outcomes together, enhancing analytical thinking skills.
After reading, encourage creative play where your child can act out their favorite part of the book or even create an alternative ending.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Ahoy!', the characters must work together to navigate a series of adventurous challenges on their pirate ship. Their success in overcoming obstacles is dependent on their ability to cooperate and value each team member's contribution.
Real-World Application: Children learn that collaborating with others can help tackle difficult tasks and achieve common goals, whether in group projects at school or playing sports.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Ahoy!' faces fears when encountering mysterious islands and creatures. Their journey teaches them to confront and overcome their fears.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face unfamiliar situations or challenges in school or social settings with bravery, knowing that each small act of courage builds confidence.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters come across complex problems that they solve using imaginative and creative solutions, demonstrating the power of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply creativity to solve real-life problems, whether it's finding a new way to complete a school project or resolving a dispute with a friend creatively.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: The book’s characters are driven by a sense of adventure and a desire to explore the unknown, which leads them to learn more about their world.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to ask questions and seek out new knowledge in all areas of their life, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Characters in 'Ahoy!' encounter setbacks during their voyage, but they learn from their mistakes and continue their journey with renewed determination.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance and resilience, helping them understand that setbacks are a part of learning and growth.