Surfing Summer
illustrations by
What’s inside...
In 'Surfing Summer,' author Shalini Vallepur captures the essence of a thrilling summer adventure where protagonist Mia learns to surf amidst challenges of friendship and self-confidence. Set against a vibrant coastal backdrop, the story imparts lessons on perseverance and courage, making it a great pick for young readers. Similarly, the story of Sunny the starfish, who desires to surf and seeks help from Java the mermaid, adds a whimsical touch to the theme of achieving one's dreams.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What was your favorite part of the summer adventure in the book, and why?
How did the characters show teamwork during their surfing experience?
Do you think the ocean is important after reading this book? What role does it play for the characters?
If you could give advice to one of the characters in the book, what would it be and why?
Imagine you're planning a surfing summer like in the book. What would you do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own favorite summer memories with your child, connecting personal experiences with the story to enhance relatability.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book. This aids in visualizing the story and opens up a discussion about their interpretation.
Explore the concept of teamwork by relating it to family activities or school projects, emphasizing the lessons from the book.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking what decisions they would make if they were in the characters' shoes.
Extend the conversation by planning a family day out to the beach or a similar setting from the book, making the story come alive.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Surfing Summer,' the characters must work together to organize a surfing competition. This demonstrates the importance of collaboration and supporting one another.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each team member's contributions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist, Summer, is tasked with keeping the beach clean throughout the summer. This highlights the significance of taking responsibility for communal spaces.
Real-World Application: Kids can utilize this lesson by taking care of their environments, be it cleaning up their rooms, or helping in community clean-up programs.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: Summer initially fears surfing in bigger waves, but she learns to overcome this fear with practice and encouragement from friends. This aspect of the book showcases personal growth and bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing fears, whether it's trying out for the school play or riding a bike, can be rewarding and lead to personal development.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The book emphasizes the beauty and power of the ocean and teaches kids to respect and protect natural resources.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to engage in environmentally friendly practices, like recycling and conserving water, to protect the earth.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the summer, Summer practices tirelessly to improve her surfing skills, epitomizing the value of persistence in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This demonstrates to children the importance of consistent effort and practice, whether it's in academics, sports, or any other hobbies they pursue.