Little Boat
on Goodreads (156)
What’s inside...
Following her National Book Award-winning Door in the New and Collected Poems, 1965-2003, Jean Valentine returns with a meditative and magical new collection. In Little Boat, Valentine continues her exploration of spiritual life, confronting the realities of aging and death in the serene and dreamlike voice so beloved by her many readers. Infusing even the most melancholy subjects with warmth and humanity, Little Boat explores such subjects as grief, ordinary objects, illness, and memory, carrying the reader into disparate worlds, rendering the complexity of our common experience through startling images. The poet's extraordinary juxtapositions blur the boundaries of the material world and the invisible, the given and the assumed, the present and the sometimes recently absent. Readers will find Valentine's quiet epiphanies on rich display here, as this much-heralded poet quietly merges the sorrowful and the sublime.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
84 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Little Boat feels when he sets out on his journey alone?
What challenges does Little Boat face and how does he overcome them?
Can you think of a time when you had to do something difficult on your own? How did it feel?
What do you think is the most important lesson Little Boat learns during his adventure?
How do friendship and help from others play a role in Little Boat's journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book, validating their emotions and drawing parallels to their own experiences.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think deeper about the story and relate it to their own life.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and courage in the face of challenges, as demonstrated by Little Boat.
Identify moments in the book where Little Boat receives help, and talk about the value of friendship and collaboration.
Use expressive reading, changing your tone and pace, to highlight the dramatic and emotional parts of Little Boat’s journey to keep your child engaged.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: In 'Little Boat', the tiny boat faces many challenges on the vast ocean, but it keeps pushing through despite rough waters and scary weather.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through difficult situations in their own lives, understanding that facing challenges is part of growth.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The little boat ventures out into the open sea, showing bravery in exploring unknown and sometimes frightening environments.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be brave when trying new things, such as starting at a new school or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Independence
Explanation: Through its journey, the boat operates independently without any guidance, navigating and making decisions on its own.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to make decisions and think independently, helping them become more self-reliant and confident.
Example Lesson: Optimism
Explanation: Despite the obstacles it faces, the boat remains hopeful and optimistic throughout its journey, which eventually leads to its success.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of maintaining a positive outlook, even in tough times, which can influence their overall resilience and happiness.
Example Lesson: Adventure and Exploration
Explanation: The story of 'Little Boat' celebrates the spirit of adventure as the boat explores different environments and experiences the beauty of the seas.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to embrace new experiences and the learning opportunities they bring, fostering a lifelong curiosity and love for exploration.