How It Feels to Be a Boat
on Goodreads (256)
What’s inside...
Sometimes being a boat is full of adventures and it's nothing but smooth sailing on the high seas, but sometimes arguing passengers can take you off course. When you run aground, will their teamwork give you the strength to make it through? Offbeat and imaginative, James Kwan gives us a glimpse of what it's like to not only be a boat, but what it is to be human in both gentle and rough waters. Perfect for life's transitions, this book tackles taking on change and indecision with grace, humor, and heart. It's a reassuring reminder to stay the course through all kinds of stormy weather. Ahoy, ahoy!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would feel like to be a boat on a big ocean?
How does the boat feel when it's surrounded by friendly fish compared to when it's alone in the storm?
What do you think the boat learned about friendship and helping others?
Can you imagine a day in your life as an adventure, like the boat's journey on the sea? What would it be like?
What was your favorite part of the boat's adventure and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by reflecting on feelings and emotions, helping your child connect with the boat’s experiences.
Encourage your child to use their imagination to relate their personal experiences to those of the boat, enhancing empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of friendship and teamwork showcased in the story, highlighting how the boat interacted with other characters.
Allow your child to express which part of the story they liked the most and why, reinforcing their understanding and personal connection to the book.
Utilize pauses after each major event in the story to ask your child how they think the boat felt, promoting critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story illustrates the experiences of being a boat, facing various challenges and emotions, which helps children understand and sympathize with others' feelings and situations.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by recognizing emotions in their peers and offering comfort or help when they observe someone in distress.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: As the boat navigates through storms and calms, it teaches children that perseverance and courage are essential to overcome difficult times.
Real-World Application: Kids can remember the boat's resilience when they face personal challenges, whether it’s tackling a tough school project or managing conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Importance of care and maintenance
Explanation: The boat undergoes wear and tear, emphasizing the need for care and upkeep. It conveys the message that taking care of possessions extends their life and functionality.
Real-World Application: Children learn to take responsibility for their belongings, such as cleaning their room or taking care of their toys and books.
Example Lesson: Discovering one’s purpose
Explanation: The boat’s journey reflects a quest for purpose and belonging, an underlying theme that resonates with readers.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore their own talents and interests to find what makes them unique and how they can contribute to their community.