Ben's Dream
on Goodreads (813)
What’s inside...
On a terrifically rainy day, Ben has a dream in which he and his house float by the monuments of the world, half submerged in flood-water.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Ben was feeling when he started his journey around the world?
How did the landmarks change in Ben's dream? What does that tell us about imagination?
If you could dream about visiting any place in the world, where would it be and why?
Why do you think the author chose landmarks to be part of Ben's dream?
What part of Ben's adventure did you find the most exciting or surprising?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the landmarks portrayed in the book to set a comfortable tone for the child to express their ideas.
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to describe or draw how their dream world would look.
Relate the story to personal experiences, like a family trip or a dream they might have had, to make connections between the book and their life.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to deepen the conversation and encourage critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: In 'Ben's Dream,' Ben embarks on an imaginative journey around the world, seeing famous landmarks from the comfort of his own home. This showcases how imagination can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Real-World Application: Children can utilize their creativity to explore and learn about the world even when physical travel isn't possible. This encourages resourcefulness and a positive approach to learning.
Example Lesson: Geographical awareness
Explanation: As Ben imagines traveling across different landmarks, the book introduces young readers to various geographical and historical sites like the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.
Real-World Application: This can spark an interest in geography and history, motivating children to explore different cultures and the history of various places around the world.
Example Lesson: The value of books and reading
Explanation: The story begins with Ben reading a book about famous landmarks, which inspires his imaginative journey. This emphasizes how reading can open doors to new worlds and experiences.
Real-World Application: By understanding the importance of reading, children may be more inclined to spend time reading, which can improve their literacy skills and academic proficiency.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: Throughout his dream, Ben waits patiently as he travels from one landmark to another, demonstrating the importance of patience during explorative and learning processes.
Real-World Application: Children learn that patience is crucial when acquiring new knowledge or skills, and it's a virtue that can be applied in their academic and personal lives.