Brown-Ears at Sea: More Adventures of a Lost and Found Rabbit
#2 in Brown-Ears Series
What’s inside...
Brown-Ears is a toy rabbit who is often forgetful and careless, leading him to frequently get lost. In this story, McRoss takes Brown-Ears to the beach, but after waking up from a nap, Brown-Ears finds himself alone with the tide coming in. In the sequel, Brown Ears, made of cloth, gets lost at sea and experiences numerous adventures before eventually being reunited with his current master, McRoss. Stephen Lawhead's Brown Ears books, which follow the accidental adventures of an endearing, floppy-eared toy rabbit, will bring a smile of recognition to any child who has ever lost or misplaced a favorite friend. Stephen Lawhead is the highly praised author of more than a dozen fantasy and science fiction novels for adults and children, including The Dragon King Saga, The Song of Albion Trilogy, and The Riverbank Trilogy.
Discussion points
Why do you think Brown-Ears decided to go on an adventure at sea?
What are some of the challenges Brown-Ears faced, and how did he overcome them?
How did Brown-Ears' feelings change throughout his journey?
What did Brown-Ears learn about friendship during his adventures?
If you were in Brown-Ears' place, what would you have done differently on the adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Brown-Ears’ shoes, which can help them connect deeper with the story and its characters. Use expressive reading to bring the adventures to life, altering your voice for different characters, and pausing at key moments to build suspense and intrigue. After discussing the questions, you might encourage your child to draw their favorite scene from the book or write a short story about where they would go if they had their own sea adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: Brown-Ears, the adventurous rabbit, demonstrates resilience as he navigates through various challenges during his sea journey.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance and resilience when facing obstacles, whether it's solving a difficult puzzle or trying a new activity.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Brown-Ears forms bonds that showcase the value of support and camaraderie.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes the importance of building and maintaining friendships, which can help children in teamwork and social interactions at school or in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and care
Explanation: The story highlights how taking care of oneself and others is crucial, as seen through Brown-Ears' efforts to stay safe and help others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking responsibility for their actions and understanding the impact of caring for others, like helping at home or in classroom settings.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore
Explanation: Brown-Ears' journey is filled with curiosity and the courage to explore unfamiliar territories, facing the unknown with bravery.
Real-World Application: This inspires children to embrace new experiences, whether it’s joining a new class, or exploring a new park, fostering a spirit of discovery and courage.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, Brown-Ears encounters problems that he must solve to continue his journey, thereby sharpening his problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to approach their own problems with a strategic mindset, enhancing their ability to think critically in various situations.