Dead Sailors Don't Bite
Little Ark Paperbacks Series
What’s inside...
When their marbles go missing, the pirates go wild. Boa's grandfather is too busy to help and Wiggy's mother is miles away, so it's down to Boa and Wiggy to crack the case. The pirates that Boa, a young Australian girl, has accidentally freed from magical entrapment seem to be adjusting well to the modern world until they think they are doing Boa and her best friend, Wiggy, a favor by kidnapping their teacher.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the sailors learned during their adventure?
How did the characters' relationships change throughout the story?
If you were one of the sailors, how would you have reacted to the challenges they faced?
What lessons can we take from the sailors’ teamwork and problem-solving?
How did the ending of the book make you feel and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to summarize the book in their own words. This helps gauge their understanding and sets the stage for deeper discussion.
Show genuine interest in their responses to encourage more detailed expressions of their thoughts and feelings.
Relate the book’s themes or situations to your child's real-life experiences, which can help them connect more deeply with the story and characters.
Discuss the decisions made by the characters and ask your child what they would have done differently, fostering critical thinking.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the story. This can lead to unexpected insights and deeper understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Dead Sailors Don't Bite', the characters must work together to solve the mystery of the ghost ship, demonstrating how collaboration can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn that cooperating with others, whether in school projects or playing sports, can help achieve common goals and solve problems effectively.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of fear
Explanation: The protagonists face their fears while exploring the haunted ship, teaching readers about bravery.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to face their own fears, be it trying out for a school play, speaking in front of the class, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge
Explanation: The young characters' quest to uncover the truth about the ghost ship highlights the value of curiosity and seeking knowledge.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore, ask questions, and learn inquisitively in their everyday interactions and studies.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous challenges and setbacks, the crew persists in their quest, underscoring the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to keep trying in difficult tasks, whether it's mastering a new skill or completing a tough assignment, emphasizing that persistence often leads to success.