Setsuko and the Song of the Sea
What’s inside...
Setsuko and the Song of the Sea follows the tale of Setsuko, a girl who loves the ocean and worries that her friends have abandoned her way of life. When she meets a whale who fears he's the last of his kind, they form an unlikely friendship bonded by their love of the sea. The whale gifts Setsuko a song, which she uses to remind people of the ocean's beauty. Together, they play the song from morning until evening, enchanting everyone who hears it and rekindling their appreciation for the sea. Setsuko, much like the ama-san divers of the Shima peninsula, is on her way to becoming a real-life mermaid. The book also supports marine conservation, with 10% of net profits donated to the Marine Conservation Society.
Discussion points
How do you think Setsuko feels when she's trying to save the sea creatures?
Why is it important to take care of our oceans and sea life?
What can we do to help protect the environment like Setsuko?
How does the relationship between Setsuko and her grandma inspire you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Validate their responses, whether they're feeling sad, hopeful, or motivated. Discuss the importance of environmental conservation in a simple and relatable way, and brainstorm together small daily actions that can make a difference. Use the book’s illustrations to spark conversation about the beauty of the ocean and its creatures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Setsuko and her friends work together to clean up the beach and save their marine friends, highlighting the importance of caring for the environment.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to participate in local clean-up events or practice recycling at home, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The story demonstrates how Setsuko and various sea creatures work together to solve a problem, teaching the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to cooperate with others in school projects or in sports, understanding that collective efforts often lead to success.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Problem Solving
Explanation: Setsuko faces challenges in her mission to clean the beach but remains determined and finds solutions, which showcases resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by not giving up easily when facing difficulties in their tasks or homework, instead finding creative solutions to overcome them.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Through Setsuko’s care for the sea creatures, the book teaches empathy by showing concern for others' well-being.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be considerate and supportive of their friends and family members' feelings and experiences.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Nature
Explanation: The beauty and significance of the ocean and its inhabitants are celebrated in the story, fostering a love for nature.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and appreciate the natural world around them, whether it's a park, the beach, or their own backyard.