Oliver and the Seawigs
#2 of 4 in A Not-So-Impossible Tale Series
What’s inside...
Oliver grew up in a family of explorers and embarks on his biggest adventure yet to find his missing parents. Along the way, he befriends a grumpy old albatross, a short-sighted mermaid, and a friendly island named Cliff. As they set off to execute Oliver's rescue plan, they must confront the evil Stacey de Lacey and an army of greasy green sea monkeys. The story is filled with exciting elements such as moving islands, mischievous monkeys, and a splashy adventure, accompanied by illustrations on almost every page.
Discussion points
What do you think Oliver felt when he first discovered the Rambling Isles?
How do you think the friendship between Oliver and Iris helped them during their adventure?
What would you do if you had a chance to create your own Seawig?
How did Oliver show bravery throughout the story?
Why is it important to help friends, like Oliver helped Iris?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Oliver’s world, asking how they would feel in similar situations. Use praise to celebrate their unique responses and ideas. Tie the themes of friendship and bravery from the book to your child’s own experiences, prompting them to connect the story to their personal life. Initiate a creative drawing session where your child can design their own Seawig, discussing the fun and inventive aspects of the story. After reading, consider revisiting favorite passages to delve deeper into critical moments and character decisions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embrace adventure and curiosity
Explanation: In 'Oliver and the Seawigs,' Oliver embarks on a daring journey to rescue his explorer parents, showcasing his adventurous spirit and curiosity about the world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be open to new experiences and explore their surroundings, whether it's trying a new activity or asking questions to gain more knowledge.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Oliver teams up with a variety of unique characters, such as a short-sighted mermaid and an island that floats, learning that working together can help overcome big challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of collaboration and helping one another, which can be applied in school projects, sports teams, or family activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing obstacles
Explanation: Oliver encounters numerous obstacles during his quest, but his determination and resilience propel him forward, illustrating the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn that obstacles are a part of life and that persistence and courage are key to overcoming them, whether it's dealing with a difficult subject in school or resolving conflicts with friends.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist, Oliver, often finds creative solutions during his journey, such as using unconventional methods to navigate challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and use their imagination to solve problems in their daily lives, from crafting an art project to figuring out how to organize their room.
Example Lesson: Appreciating differences
Explanation: Oliver’s journey introduces him to a wide range of characters, each with their own quirks and backgrounds, teaching him to appreciate and embrace diversity.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand and respect that everyone is unique and that diversity enriches our experiences, promoting inclusivity in their interactions at school and in the community.