Song of the Dolphin Boy
What’s inside...
Finn has always felt different growing up in the tiny fishing village of Stromhead. He is warned to stay away from the water, but he discovers his true connection to the sea when he swims with dolphins and feels completely at home. However, his newfound friends, the dolphins, are threatened by pollution and an impending supermarket balloon release. Finn seeks help from the Lighthouse Crew, a group of kids who usually exclude him, to save the dolphins. Along the way, Finn learns about the impact of plastic pollution and the power of friendship to enact change. This poignant tale by Elizabeth Laird highlights the importance of environmental conservation and personal discovery.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Finn feels when he first discovers he can communicate with marine life?
Why do you think the villagers react the way they do to the changes in the sea?
How do Finn’s abilities help change his relationships with others in the community?
Can you think of a time when you felt different like Finn? How did you handle it?
What do you think is the most important message of this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading each chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next and why they think so.
Relate Finn's unique qualities to your child’s own experiences or feelings of being different or misunderstood.
Discuss the importance of environmental conservation and how it is portrayed in the story.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book and explain why they chose it.
Highlight the role of empathy by talking about how understanding others' feelings and viewpoints can lead to positive change.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental stewardship
Explanation: The protagonist, Finn, takes action to clean up the ocean to save his dolphin friends, demonstrating the importance of caring for our environment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to participate in local clean-up efforts and to be conscious of their ecological footprint.
Example Lesson: Empathy and friendship
Explanation: Finn's unique ability to communicate with dolphins illustrates deep empathy and the formation of cross-species friendships, emphasizing the value of understanding others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to foster friendships that transcend apparent differences and to empathize with others' feelings and perspectives.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what's right
Explanation: Despite opposition from the town and initially from his own mother, Finn bravely stands against pollution, showing moral courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be assertive in defending their beliefs and taking action against wrongdoing, in both small and significant ways.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community
Explanation: Throughout the story, Finn's relationship with his mother and their interaction with the local community highlight the importance of family support and community involvement.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to appreciate and actively engage in their own communities and to value family bonds.
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: Finn faces various challenges, from environmental to personal, and his perseverance serves as a powerful example of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persistence and resilience are important when facing any difficulties, encouraging them to persevere despite obstacles.