Far from Shore: Chronicles of an Open Ocean Voyage
not part of a series
on Goodreads (62)
What’s inside...
In extremely deep waters (two miles deep), the vast sea appears empty. But as naturalist and artist Sophie Webb shows us, it is full of fascinating—yet difficult to study—life. Together with her shipmates, Sophie counts and collects samples of life in the deep ocean, from seabirds to dolphins, from winged fish to whales. Only their long-term field work can really help scientists determine the health of these remarkable creatures who need the clean deep ocean to survive.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-12
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sophie Webb
Discussion points
What do you think life is like for the creatures in the open ocean compared to those near the shore?
How did the author's journey change her view of the ocean? What would you like to discover about the ocean?
What are some ways humans impact the ocean and its inhabitants, and how can we make positive changes?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of the open ocean? Which image stood out to you the most and why?
If you could ask the author one question about her voyage, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves on an ocean voyage and describe what they might see and experience.
Discuss the importance of ocean conservation and how the book highlights the relationship between humans and marine life.
Link the story to any personal experiences or family outings related to the ocean or sea life to make connections more tangible.
After reading, watch a documentary or explore more content about ocean life to deepen understanding and interest.
Use a world map to trace the voyage taken in the book, fostering both geographical knowledge and a sense of adventure.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and Adaptability
Explanation: Sophie Webb's journey in 'Far from Shore' showcases her ability to adapt to the challenging conditions of the open ocean. Her resilience in overcoming obstacles is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges in their own lives, understanding that perseverance and adaptability are key to overcoming difficulties.
Example Lesson: Importance of Environmental Conservation
Explanation: Throughout the voyage, the book highlights the diverse marine life and the importance of oceanic ecosystems. It educates about the human impact on these environments.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be mindful of their environmental impact and instills a sense of responsibility towards the conservation of nature.
Example Lesson: Observational Skills
Explanation: As a field biologist, Sophie Webb’s detailed observations of marine species are a fundamental aspect of the narrative, showcasing the importance of meticulous observation and note-taking.
Real-World Application: Children can apply observational skills to their studies or even daily life, enhancing their attention to detail and critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The protagonist’s inquisitive nature about marine life and ecosystems demonstrates a continuous pursuit of knowledge.
Real-World Application: This promotes a love for learning in children, encouraging them to explore and ask questions about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Sophie’s interactions with her crewmates show how they work collaboratively to navigate and conduct research, highlighting the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating with others to achieve common goals, an essential skill both in school and in life.