The Girl Who Became A Fish
What’s inside...
Ita is afraid of many things, including talking to her classmates at her new school and walking through her new town. Her biggest fear, however, is water. When she discovers that the river in her new town transforms her into a fish, Ita is compelled to confront her fears. As she faces her fears, she wonders if this could also help reunite her family. This early reader book by Polly Ho-Yen, with illustrations by Sojung Kim-McCarthy, addresses themes of change and fear in a manner suitable for young readers.
Age
4-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the girl want to become a fish? How do you think she felt in the ocean?
What challenges do you think the girl faced when she became a fish, and how did she overcome them?
How did the other ocean creatures react to the girl-fish, and why do you think they reacted that way?
What did the girl learn from her experience under the sea, and how did it change her?
If you could become any sea creature, which one would you choose and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the underwater world described in the book, asking them to describe what they visualize.
While discussing the questions, relate the girl’s transformation and challenges to real-life situations your child might face, enhancing their empathy and problem-solving skills.
Praise creative answers, showing that there are many different perspectives from which to understand the story.
Share your own thoughts and reactions to the story to model open conversation and show that their thoughts are valuable.
After discussing the book, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or create an alternative ending, fostering their creativity and deepening their connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The story's protagonist, a young girl transforming into a fish, symbolizes embracing and celebrating unique identities.
Real-World Application: Children learn to accept and value the differences in themselves and others, promoting inclusivity and diversity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: As the girl adapts to her new life in the ocean, she faces and overcomes various challenges, illustrating the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persist through difficulties, whether in schoolwork, sports, or relationships, underscoring the value of resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity
Explanation: The protagonist's journey into the ocean depths is driven by her curiosity, leading to marvelous discoveries and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore and ask questions about the world around them, fostering a lifelong love for learning and exploration.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: Through her interactions with ocean life, the girl learns about the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to be conscious of their environmental footprint and to engage in practices that protect and preserve nature.