All In The Same Boat: Shocking New Grim Modern Fable About Greed Featuring A Rat, A Mouse, A Gerbil And A Shark
What’s inside...
A gorgeously illustrated shocking tale of the aftermath of a shipwreck in which greedy Rat threatens the lives of his smaller companions as they drift in a lifeboat amid shark-infested waters. This cautionary new fable about greed and bullying, suitable for ages 7-11, also serves as an allegorical tale about the inconsiderate and treacherous overuse of finite resources by the large and powerful at the expense of the small and vulnerable, where horrifyingly no one wins. This dyslexia-friendly edition has been reviewed as potentially 'out-grimming Grimm.' If you appreciate the original fables of the Brothers Grimm and Aesop, you'll love 'All In The Same Boat' by Wilkie J. Martin.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the rat, mouse, gerbil, and shark felt when they were all stuck in the same situation?
What could each character have done differently to avoid the conflict in the story?
Why is it important to consider everyone's needs and feelings in a group?
What does this story teach us about greed and cooperation?
How can we apply the lessons from this book to our daily lives at school or at home?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by summarizing the story together with your child, focusing on key events and the behaviors of each character. Use the open-ended questions to guide the conversation, encouraging your child to think critically about the motives and actions of the characters. Validate their feelings and thoughts as they express them, and relate their responses to real-life scenarios to help them connect the book's messages to their world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: As the animals in the story fight over resources on the boat, their actions driven by greed lead to chaos and danger, illustrating the negative impacts of being overly self-interested.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share and consider others' needs in group activities or family settings, understanding that cooperation often leads to better outcomes for everyone involved.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In the book, the characters realize that working together is the only way to navigate the challenges they face on the boat, demonstrating the strength and efficiency of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to participate actively in team sports, group projects at school, or help in family chores, appreciating that collective effort yields success.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: The diverse group of animals on the boat each have unique traits and perspectives. The story shows how acknowledging and valuing these differences is key to their survival and coexistence.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by embracing diversity among their peers, which can foster an inclusive atmosphere in classrooms and playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving under pressure
Explanation: Faced with the threat of sinking and the presence of a shark, the animals must quickly devise a survival strategy. Their ability to think critically under pressure is a highlight of the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of staying calm and thinking clearly during emergencies or in challenging situations at home or school.
Example Lesson: The detrimental effects of selfishness
Explanation: The narrative exposes the dangers of the gerbil, rat, and mouse's initial selfish behaviors, which almost lead to disaster before they learn to cooperate.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of considering others' wellbeing and the negative impact that selfish actions can have on friendships and group dynamics.