Beyond the Clouds
What’s inside...
James is taking a trip, and he will be flying in an airplane for the first time. He is super excited about his trip and the chance to fly. James is amazed at the liveliness in the airport: the people, the merchants, the movement. This energizes him, but the airplane ride is his goal. Once the ride begins, he is not prepared for the emotions that he experiences or the lesson that he learns.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think lies beyond the clouds in the story?
How do you feel when you're exploring something new, like the characters did?
What would you have done differently if you were a character in the book?
Why do you think the author chose clouds as a significant part of the story?
How do the illustrations make you feel about the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a soft and curious tone to encourage your child to think deeply and express their feelings.
Relate the story's themes to your child's personal experiences to create a more relatable discussion.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to show active listening and deepen the conversation.
Praise your child’s thoughts and responses to boost their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Let your child describe the images and link them to the story to enhance their understanding and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: In 'Beyond the Clouds', the protagonist faces various obstacles on their journey but continuously finds creative solutions and pushes forward.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges in their own lives, understanding that persistence and creativity can lead to overcoming difficulties and achieving goals.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the protagonist forming bonds with diverse characters who provide support and companionship throughout the adventure.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and nurture friendships in their own lives, recognizing the importance and impact of having supportive friends.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and learning
Explanation: The protagonist’s journey is sparked by a desire to discover what lies beyond the clouds, leading to various learning experiences about the world.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to remain curious and seek out knowledge, understanding that learning can lead to exciting discoveries and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore new opportunities
Explanation: As the protagonist explores unfamiliar territories, they demonstrate courage in embracing new experiences.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to step out of their comfort zones and try new activities, which can lead to personal development and new interests.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: Throughout the journey, the protagonist encounters characters from different backgrounds and shows empathy towards their situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others, fostering a sense of compassion and community in their everyday interactions.