Eva at the Beach: A Branches Book
#14 of 21 in Owl Diaries Series
on Goodreads (586)
What’s inside...
It's summertime and Eva Wingdale is excited to go to the beach with her best friend, Lucy. They plan to build sandcastles and make seashell necklaces. However, Eva is secretly afraid of swimming in the sea because of the big fish, like sharks. Her fear begins to fade after hearing the 'Legend of the Mermowls' and seeing her classmate Sue in the water. This story, part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, is designed to boost reading confidence with easy-to-read text, high-interest content, and illustrations on every page. Rebecca Elliott's sweet text and vibrant artwork bring the story to life, encouraging young readers to face their fears and find magic at the beach.
Character compass
Eva Wingdale
Lily
Discussion points
How do you think Eva felt when she first arrived at the beach? Can you relate to her feelings?
What are some ways Eva showed kindness to her friends during their beach day?
Why is it important to help others, like Eva helped her friends find the treasure?
What would you do if you were at the beach with Eva and her friends?
How did the characters solve problems they faced on their adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about Eva’s experiences, relating them to their own experiences at the beach or with friends.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and helping others, drawing examples from the book and asking your child how they have helped their friends in the past.
Invite your child to imagine their own beach adventure, asking them what kind of treasure they would like to find and who they would share it with.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or to write a short story about a day at the beach with their friends.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: In 'Eva at the Beach', Eva's interactions with her friends showcase how she navigates sharing, caring, and communicating effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to build and maintain friendships by empathizing with peers and sharing joyful moments, skills that are essential in school and playground settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the story, Eva encounters several challenges, which she overcomes by thinking critically and making smart decisions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to approach difficulties in their lives with a problem-solving mindset, encouraging resilience and resourcefulness.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The beach setting provides a backdrop for Eva to explore and appreciate the natural world, learning about the environment and its inhabitants.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own environments, fostering a sense of wonder and responsibility towards nature.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Eva makes mistakes during her beach adventure, but each mistake is a learning opportunity that contributes to her personal growth.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that mistakes are a natural part of learning and that they can grow from them.
Example Lesson: Sharing Joyful Experiences
Explanation: Eva shares her fun experiences at the beach with her friends, which enhances their collective enjoyment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of sharing their positive experiences with others, which can strengthen social bonds and increase personal happiness.