Sea of Dreams
on Goodreads (565)
What’s inside...
A wordless picture book featuring a sandcastle that is surprisingly full of life. On a beautiful sunlit beach, a girl builds a magnificent sandcastle. As night falls, the girl heads for home while waves move ever closer to the castle, threatening its survival. Suddenly, in one of its windows, a light comes on, suggesting that there might be more to the sandcastle than meets the eye. Sea of Dreams is a Publishers Weekly Best Children's Picture Books title for 2011.
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Girl
Discussion points
What do you think the girl in the story felt when she first saw the sea made of dreams?
How did the drawings in the sand play a role in the story, and what do they mean to you?
Can you imagine what it would be like to visit a sea made of dreams? What would you do there?
Why do you think the girl decided to leave the sea at the end of the book?
What did you learn from the girl's adventure in the Sea of Dreams?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own interpretation of the dreamlike illustrations before asking your child about theirs. This can help set a reflective mood.
Encourage your child to describe the imagery and scenes in the book. Ask them to focus on colors, shapes, and feelings they perceive.
Connect the story to your child's experiences by asking if they've ever had a dream that felt real, just like the girl's adventure in the sea of dreams.
Ask your child to draw their own 'sea of dreams' and describe what it includes, fostering a deeper connection with the book’s themes through art.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: In 'Sea of Dreams,' the protagonist creates a sandcastle that serves as the gateway to a fantastical adventure. This highlights the power of imagination.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in creative play, which helps in problem-solving and thinking outside the box in real life.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The main character shows perseverance by navigating through various challenges in the dream world. This depicts the importance of not giving up.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of persisting through difficult tasks at school or in their personal lives, understanding that challenges can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Caring for Others
Explanation: The story shows the protagonist helping friends in the dream world, teaching empathy and the importance of helping others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping their peers or family members, fostering a supportive and caring environment.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: As the protagonist interacts with the world he created, the story demonstrates that actions have consequences, both good and bad.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their choices impact not only themselves but also those around them, promoting responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Joy in Exploration
Explanation: The adventure through the dream world brings joy and wonder, showing the rewards of exploring new experiences.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to explore new activities, ideas, and places can lead to a fulfilling and enriching life.