Shimmy
Orca Limelights Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
Gutsy twelve-year-old Evan, his brother Gavin and their friend Meagan unwittingly unlock a secret that forever changes their young lives. Witnessing the drowning of a young fawn at their local beach reveals a world filled with dearly departed pets and magical woodland creatures. With the aid of their old companions and new friends, they set off on a series of adventures, including battling bullies and a quest to find buried gold. The secrecy of not being able to tell anyone about their discoveries or how they came to find out about the lost gold of the truly twisted and evil mystic Brother XII, starts to take its toll on them. Surrounded by mind blowing mysteries on Vancouver Island, time starts to run out and they have no choice but to trust their animal spirits and keep faith in each other. This novel makes a great gift for anyone who has ever suffered the loss of a much-loved pet. Shimmy is the first novel in a series that captures the mystery and intrigue that surrounds the question, 'Where do our pets go when they die?'
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-18
Length
258 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Shimmy feel when she tried something new? Can you think of a time you felt the same?
What do you think Shimmy learned from her adventure?
Why is it important to help others, like Shimmy helped her friends?
How did the colors and pictures in the book make you feel?
What would you do if you were in Shimmy's place during her journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a soft and curious tone to make the child feel comfortable sharing personal feelings and thoughts related to the story.
Relate questions to your child's experiences, drawing parallels to situations they might have faced themselves.
Encourage your child to describe scenes from the book or even draw them, deepening their connection and understanding of the story.
Validate their feelings and thoughts as they answer, affirming that their viewpoints are valued and appreciated.
Ask follow-up questions based on the child’s responses to keep the conversation flowing and explore themes more deeply.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Shimmy', the protagonist encounters various characters with diverse backgrounds and challenges. Through these interactions, the protagonist learns to understand and empathize with different perspectives and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy in their daily interactions at school or playground by recognizing and respecting the feelings and viewpoints of their peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Shimmy and friends must work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and collective effort.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of cooperating with others in group projects or team sports, highlighting how teamwork can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: Shimmy demonstrates bravery by tackling challenges that initially seem daunting. This shows children that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace this lesson by facing their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a new activity, standing up for themselves, or dealing with a difficult situation at school.
Example Lesson: Persistence Pays Off
Explanation: The book's storyline highlights the rewards of persistence as Shimmy continues to pursue goals despite setbacks.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to keep trying and not give up on their tasks or learning new skills, emphasizing persistence as key to achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Joy in Discovery
Explanation: As Shimmy explores new places and meets new people, the joy of discovery and learning is clearly conveyed.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own world and seek knowledge, fostering a lifelong love of learning and curiosity.