The Fintastic Diary of Darcy Dolphin
#1 in Darcy Dolphin Series
What’s inside...
Clarice Bean meets Finding Dory in this laugh-out-loud diary set under the sea! Join Darcy Dolphin and friends for some underwater adventures! In the first book of the series, Darcy gets a pet, auditions for the role of Finderella in the school play, and solves a mystery on the reef. The first in a brilliantly funny new illustrated series for boys and girls aged 6+. Perfect for fans of The Unbelievable Top Secret Diary of Pig and Barry Loser. Sam Watkins is the author of the Creature Teacher series with OUP, as well as Nick Super Sub! and Puss in Football Boots, both published by Franklin Watts. Creature Teacher was shortlisted for the Heart of Hawick Children’s Book Award in 2016. Vicky Barker is a freelance illustrator and designer based in Liverpool. She has illustrated the Fish Fingers series and The Catsup High Detective Agency for Catnip Books, and a series of activity books for bSmall.
Discussion points
What do you think Darcy Dolphin learned about friendship throughout her adventures?
If you could create an underwater gadget like Darcy, what would it do and why?
How do you think Darcy felt when things didn't go as planned? Have you ever felt the same way?
Why is it important to help our friends, just like Darcy helped her friends in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate Darcy’s experiences to their own by asking them about similar experiences they've had.
While reading, pause at intense moments or plot twists and ask your child to predict what might happen next, fostering their critical thinking.
Discuss the importance of the ocean and marine life portrayed in the book to teach environmental awareness.
Use expressive voices for different characters to make reading more fun and engaging, which can help your child better understand each character's personality and emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others' perspectives
Explanation: Darcy Dolphin's adventures help her learn to understand and empathize with other sea creatures' feelings and viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to consider and respect different perspectives among their peers and in family interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Darcy and her friends solve problems by working together, emphasizing the value of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This teaches kids the significance of cooperation in school projects or team sports, helping them achieve common goals through teamwork.
Example Lesson: Coping with change
Explanation: Darcy faces various changes in her underwater world, which teaches her to adapt and be resilient.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace changes in their lives, such as moving to a new school or city, by adapting positively.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem solving
Explanation: Darcy often uses her creativity to navigate challenges and conflicts in the story.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their imagination and creativity to solve everyday problems and think outside the box.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Darcy learns the importance of being responsible through her actions and decisions affecting those around her.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, whether it's doing homework on time or taking care of a pet.