Mermaids of the Deep Blue Sea (The Boxcar Children Creatures of Legend)
#3 of 5 in The Boxcar Children Creatures Of Legend Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (63)
What’s inside...
The Aldens have joined Dr. Iris Perez as she investigates legendary creatures around the world. In this adventure, the children investigate what might be living in the deep trench off the coast of Puerto Rico. From manatees to mermaids to sea monsters, creatures of the sea have been attracting tourists to the area for years. But when a man on a nearby island goes missing, it's up to the Aldens to sort out fact from fiction.
Discussion points
What do you think life under the sea would be like for the mermaids?
How do the mermaids help the creatures around them? Can you think of ways we could help animals in our environment?
If you could create your own legend about a sea creature, what special powers would it have?
How do the characters in the story show bravery and kindness?
What have you learned from this story about solving mysteries or problems?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use vivid imagery to paint the picture of the undersea world before starting a discussion. This helps the child visualize the setting and stimulates their imagination.
Encourage empathy by discussing the challenges faced by the creatures in the story and relating them to real-world situations.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This activity can serve as a great starting point for further discussion about the book's themes.
Create a fun quiz for your child to recall facts from the story. This reinforces retention and makes learning engaging.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story and how they could be applied in everyday life. This helps establish a connection between the book and the child's personal development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in 'Mermaids of the Deep Blue Sea' work together to solve mysteries and overcome challenges, showcasing the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others, share ideas, and value different perspectives, which is essential in school projects and other social interactions.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The young protagonists’ quest for knowledge about mythical creatures fuels the narrative, highlighting the value of curiosity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions, seek out new information, and engage in self-driven learning, which is vital for intellectual development.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book emphasizes the importance of the natural world and its mysteries, promoting a respectful attitude towards marine life and environments.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of environmental conservation and encourages practices like recycling and responsible tourism.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Fear
Explanation: As the characters encounter mythical sea creatures, they learn to face their fears and display bravery.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to tackle their own fears and challenges, whether it’s trying new activities or standing up for themselves and others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Truth
Explanation: The protagonists value truth and integrity throughout their adventures, uncovering the real stories behind mythical beliefs.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of honesty in their everyday interactions and the consequences of deceit.