Iceberg
Dirk Pitt Series
on Goodreads (144)
What’s inside...
WINNER: 2022 CBCA Picture Book of the Year. In the final freeze of an Antarctic winter, green tails wave across a star-full sky, signaling farewell to endless nights. Penguins journey across the ice to winter homes and birds fly back as temperatures rise. An iceberg breaks away from a glacier initiating an expedition through Antarctica's changing seasons. Follow the iceberg as it experiences spring, watching penguins trek and sensing krill stir. As summer arrives, it sees humpback whales spiral and orca gather, while currents and the sun gradually shrink it. In autumn, the chilling temperature traps it in the ice for winter. With the return of spring, it drifts into a bay and collapses, concluding its life cycle. However, the cycle continues as a new iceberg is born from a glacier. This evocative portrayal captures the delicate dance of ocean, sky, snow, and ice in the Antarctic, complemented by poetic text and stunning illustrations. The book concludes with an educational note on climate change impacts, a map, and a glossary.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think were the main challenges Dirk Pitt faced in the story and how did he overcome them?
Icebergs are important to our planet—what did you learn about them from the book?
How do you think teamwork helped the characters solve the mysteries in the story?
If you were an adventurer like Dirk Pitt, what kind of mission would you want to go on?
What are some ways we can protect the oceans and icebergs like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what their favorite part of the book was to get them excited about the discussion.
Encourage them to imagine themselves in the story and think about what choices they would have made.
Discuss the importance of the environment and how the adventures in the book relate to real-world issues.
Revisit the thrilling or mysterious moments in the book to spark deeper thinking about the plot and characters.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences or current events to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Iceberg', characters frequently must work together to navigate through dangerous and unpredictable situations. This collaboration is key to their survival and success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working cooperatively in group projects at school or in team sports, learning that together they can achieve more than individually.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving Skills
Explanation: The protagonists in 'Iceberg' face numerous challenges that require quick thinking and resourcefulness. This encourages a mindset of tackling problems head-on.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to not shy away from problems but rather, think critically and find solutions, whether in their academic tasks or personal life issues.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout 'Iceberg', characters encounter setbacks yet persistently push forward. Their perseverance is crucial to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through difficulties, understanding that success often comes from not giving up, whether it's completing a difficult homework assignment or mastering a new skill.
Example Lesson: Caring for the Environment
Explanation: The setting of 'Iceberg' in the Arctic brings attention to delicate ecosystems and the importance of environmental stewardship.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the impact of human actions on the environment and promote actions such as recycling, conserving water, or learning more about local wildlife conservation.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The adventurous plot of 'Iceberg' stimulates curiosity about the natural world and technology used in the story.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore subjects such as geography, science, and engineering, fostering a lifelong love of learning.