Ocean Meets Sky
What’s inside...
Finn lives by the sea and the sea lives by him. Every time he looks out his window it’s a constant reminder of the stories his grandfather told him about the place where the ocean meets the sky. Where whales and jellyfish soar and birds and castles float. Finn’s grandfather is gone now but Finn knows the perfect way to honor him. He’ll build his own ship and sail out to find this magical place himself! And when he arrives, maybe, just maybe, he’ll find something he didn’t know he was looking for.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the ocean represents in the story?
How do you feel when you look at the illustrations and see where the ocean meets the sky?
Can you imagine a place where your dreams and reality meet like Finn does in the story?
What is the significance of the ship that Finn builds? How does it help him connect with his grandfather?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them to describe their favorite part of the book and why it stands out to them.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences by discussing times when they felt connected to their dreams or memories.
Use the illustrations in the book to inspire creative thinking; pose questions about the colors, shapes, and characters seen in the pictures.
After reading, ask your child to draw their own 'Ocean Meets Sky' where they blend their imagination with real-world elements.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of imagination
Explanation: In 'Ocean Meets Sky', Finn embarks on a fantastical voyage that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, showcasing the power and depth of a child's imaginative abilities.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their own creativity and inventiveness in play or problem-solving situations.
Example Lesson: Coping with loss
Explanation: Finn, the protagonist, uses his imaginative journey to cope with the loss of his grandfather, indicating how imagination can be a healing tool.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that creating personal narratives or imaginative scenarios can be a comforting way to deal with grief or other emotional challenges.
Example Lesson: The value of dreams and aspirations
Explanation: The story shows Finn dreaming of a place his grandfather told him about, driving him to seek it out, thus highlighting the motivational power of dreams.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to set personal goals and pursue them, despite obstacles they might encounter.
Example Lesson: Respect for the elderly
Explanation: Finn’s adventure is inspired by his grandfather’s stories, showing a deep respect and reverence for his elder’s experiences and tales.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to listen to and learn from older family members, recognizing the wisdom and legacy they can offer.
Example Lesson: Exploration and discovery
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Finn encounters various magical beings and places, symbolizing the joy of exploring the unknown.
Real-World Application: Promotes an enthusiastic engagement with new experiences and learning opportunities, both educational and personal.