Bad Mermaids: On Thin Ice
#3 of 4 in Bad Mermaids Series
What’s inside...
In the kingdom of Frostopia, mermaids Beattie, Mimi, and Zelda come to the aid of Maritza Mist, a famous water witch who supplies magic spells to the underwater kingdoms. Notoriously bad mermaids have escaped from prison, stealing Maritza’s map of magical objects. When combined, these objects could create the most powerful water witch ever. The trio sets off to stop them, facing spies, ancient sharks, and their rogue seahorse companion, Steve. 'On Thin Ice' is the third book in the Bad Mermaids series by Sibéal Pounder.
Discussion points
What do you think makes the friendship between the mermaids special?
How would you handle a situation like the one Beattie, Mimi, and Zelda faced?
What lessons can we learn from the mermaids' adventure about bravery and teamwork?
If you could have any magical underwater power, what would it be and why?
How do you think the setting of the icy waters affects the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book to create a relaxed atmosphere. Encourage your child to express their opinions and feelings about the story, even if they differ from yours. Use the questions to guide a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations and choices. Relate the themes of the book to your child’s personal experiences to make the discussion more relevant. Highlight the moral or lesson in each chapter to reinforce positive messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In 'Bad Mermaids: On Thin Ice', the mermaid characters must work together to navigate challenges and solve problems, emphasizing the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other’s strengths.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The story showcases characters facing fears and standing up against obstacles, teaching children the importance of bravery in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace this lesson by tackling new challenges, whether trying out for a school play, standing up against bullying, or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, the characters encounter various problems that they must strategize and solve creatively, highlighting critical thinking.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think independently and creatively solve problems they face in homework or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Decision-Making
Explanation: Characters in the book often have to make decisions that affect others around them, underscoring the lesson on responsibility and the impact of choices.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their choices have consequences, a valuable lesson in personal responsibility as they decide how to act with friends and family.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The mermaids rely on each other's support and friendship throughout their journey, teaching children about the value of true friends in overcoming life’s challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to build strong, supportive friendships and be a good friend to others in their own lives.