The Adventures of Fin & Ali: From Sea to Shining Igloo
#1 of 3 in The Adventures of Fin & Ali Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Fin, the dolphin, and Ali, the alligator, from Key West, Florida, embark on a journey to explore the 'America the Beautiful' they've learned about in music class. They travel from Florida to Alaska, hoping to make new friends and see the landscapes described in songs like 'God Bless America' and 'America the Beautiful'. The author, Steven Katz, shares his background as a former elementary school teacher and summer camp counselor, and expresses his new passion for connecting with children through writing books.
Discussion points
How do you think Fin felt when he first met Ali? What would you do if you met someone new in an unfamiliar place?
What are some ways Fin and Ali helped each other during their adventures? Can you think of a time you helped a friend or a friend helped you?
Why do you think the story chose different environments like the sea and the igloo? How did the surroundings affect the characters' adventures?
What was your favorite part of Fin and Ali's journey and why? Would you like to visit any of the places they went to?
If you could add a new character to the story, who would they be and how would they join Fin and Ali's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring Fin and Ali’s characters to life, changing your voice for different characters to maintain your child’s interest.
Pause after dramatic moments in the story to ask your child what they think might happen next. This encourages prediction skills and keeps them engaged.
Relate the story to your child’s own experiences, such as times they’ve met new friends or visited new places, to deepen their connection to the narrative.
Discuss the illustrations in the book, asking your child to describe what they see and how it relates to the story. This enhances visual literacy and observational skills.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a scene or character from the book, helping them express their understanding and perspective creatively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Fin and Ali demonstrate the power of friendship as they navigate through various challenges together, showing how they support and rely on one another.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the significance of building and maintaining friendships, understanding the value of helping and being there for each other during tough times.
Example Lesson: Value of Adventure and Exploration
Explanation: Throughout the book, Fin and Ali explore new and diverse environments, which promotes curiosity and learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the world around them, fostering a desire to learn new things and experience different cultures or places.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: The characters frequently encounter obstacles on their journey, which they must solve together, showcasing critical thinking and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This can aid children in developing their own problem-solving abilities, teaching them to think critically and collaborate with others to overcome challenges.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Fin and Ali face many difficulties during their adventures but show great resilience and determination to continue, never giving up despite the odds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of resilience and determination, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming difficulties in life.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story highlights the beauty and diversity of natural environments from the sea to an igloo, teaching respect and appreciation for nature.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to care for the environment and teaches them the importance of conservation and respect for the natural world.