The Circus Ship
What’s inside...
The Circus Ship is a picture book by the illustrator of the Mercy Watson books, featuring stunning artwork and rhyming text. The story follows five circus animals who find themselves shipwrecked on an island near Maine after their ship sinks. Initially unwelcome, the animals manage to win over the local townspeople with their kind and courageous ways. When the greedy circus owner returns to claim them, the villagers and animals work together to outsmart him. The book includes humor, heart, and a hidden-pictures spread for readers of all ages, with illustrations that evoke the early nineteenth century and bring the story to life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the animals felt when they arrived at the island?
How did the villagers change their minds about the animals?
What would you do if you met an animal from the circus ship?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone in need? How did it make you feel?
Why is it important to show kindness to animals and people?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones while discussing the book to convey the emotions of the characters.
Encourage your child to relate the story to personal experiences where they showed or received kindness.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings to the story and discuss the possible outcomes.
Point out the illustrations and ask your child to describe them or tell what they can infer from them about the story.
Discuss the importance of community and how working together can solve problems.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'The Circus Ship', when the shipwreck leaves the circus animals stranded, the local villagers initially react with fear. However, as the story progresses, they come to empathize with the animals’ plight, helping and accommodating them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others, fostering a caring attitude towards those who are different from them.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, along with the circus animals, demonstrates courage by bravely seeking help and safety when stranded. Their determination serves as the crux of the narrative.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own challenges with bravery and to understand that sometimes, courage is needed to overcome difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: The animals and villagers work together to outsmart the villainous circus boss. This cooperation is key to their success.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, making it a vital social skill.
Example Lesson: Justice and fairness
Explanation: The story concludes with the circus animals finding freedom from their cruel boss. This resolution emphasizes the concept of justice.
Real-World Application: Children are introduced to the ideas of fairness and standing up against wrongdoing, encouraging them to seek justice in their own lives.