From the Stars in the Sky to the Fish in the Sea
What’s inside...
A children’s picture book that incorporates lush visual storytelling with poetic language to tell the tale of a magical gender variant child named Miu Lan, who can change into any shape they can imagine. Born in a magical time when both the sun and the moon are in the sky, Miu Lan faces challenges at school from peers who struggle to accept them for who they are. Despite this, they find solace in their mother's unwavering love and support, who reassures them that they can be anything they dream of, from the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea. The book celebrates individuality and challenges traditional gender, racial, and body stereotypes while honoring timeless fairy-tale themes.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the character feels when they can be any creature they imagine? How does it make you feel?
What do you think the message 'You are everything you imagine yourself to be' means?
Why is it important that everyone is different, and how do you feel about your own uniqueness?
Can you think of a time when you felt different from everyone else? How did you handle it?
Which creature would you want to be, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a warm and open environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. Validate their feelings and thoughts as they relate them to the book’s themes. Encourage them to think deeply by asking follow-up questions related to their responses. Relate their personal experiences to the story to enhance empathy and understanding of the character’s journey. Highlight the beauty of diversity and self-expression found in the book to foster appreciation for themselves and others.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: The protagonist, Miu Lan, cannot decide whether they are a boy or a girl or both or neither, changing form based on their feelings. This illustrates the beauty of self-expression and acceptance of one’s unique identity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and accept their own differences and those of others, fostering a sense of self-worth and open-mindedness in diverse social settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Miu Lan faces challenges at school where other children are unsure how to interact with them because of their shifting appearance. Through these experiences, Miu Lan shows perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: This story equips children with the understanding that while facing difficulties is part of life, overcoming them is possible and crucial for personal growth.
Example Lesson: Unconditional parental love
Explanation: Miu Lan’s mother consistently offers support and love, regardless of Miu Lan’s changing form. Her unwavering affection exemplifies unconditional love.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of family support and the strength it provides, emphasizing the role of love and acceptance in familial relationships.
Example Lesson: Celebration of diversity
Explanation: The book showcases various magical creatures and beings, symbolizing the wide array of differences in the world. This promotes inclusivity and the celebration of diversity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inclusive and accepting of people from all walks of life, enhancing social harmony and understanding.
Example Lesson: Courage to be oneself
Explanation: Despite the initial hesitance of peers to accept Miu Lan’s fluid identity, their unabashed self-expression eventually leads to acceptance and friendship. This highlights the courage it takes to be true to oneself.
Real-World Application: Instills the value of authenticity in children, teaching them that being genuine is key to forming genuine connections and gaining respect.