The Impossible Voyage of Kon-Tiki
on Goodreads (78)
What’s inside...
Combining history with culture, the ocean with exploration, and risk with triumph-this rich offering is the only picture book account of Thor Heyerdahl's world-famous Kon-Tiki expedition, during which he sailed a raft 5,000 miles from the coast of South America to the islands of the South Pacific. Author Deborah Kogan Ray clearly and succinctly sets up how Norwegian anthropologist Heyerdahl became convinced that ancient Peruvians arrived in the South Pacific via raft, why he wanted to re-create the voyage, and how he planned for it. She uses primary-source quotations on each spread to shore up the factual history of the events portrayed in the book. Her illustrations add emotion to this harrowing journey.
Discussion points
Why do you think Thor Heyerdahl decided to journey across the Pacific Ocean on the Kon-Tiki raft?
What qualities do you think are important for an explorer like Thor to have? Do you see any of those qualities in yourself?
How did the crew members work together during their journey? Can you think of a time when teamwork was important in your life?
What dangers and challenges did the crew face and how did they overcome them?
How do you think this adventure changed the lives of those on the Kon-Tiki?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine being part of the Kon-Tiki expedition. Ask them what role they would choose and why.
Relate the book's themes of bravery and resilience to personal experiences or current events to make the connection more relevant.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and how the crew's determination led to the success of their seemingly impossible journey.
Highlight the value of curiosity and learning about different cultures, as Thor Heyerdahl did through his explorations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Impossible Voyage of Kon-Tiki', the characters undertake a daring expedition across the Pacific Ocean on a raft. Their journey is fraught with challenges, but they persist despite the uncertainties.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their problems head-on and persist in their goals no matter the obstacles, resembling the expedition's perseverance.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The crew on the Kon-Tiki raft must work together to navigate and survive the treacherous journey. The story demonstrates how each team member's contribution is vital for their collective success.
Real-World Application: This emphasizes the importance of collaborating and respecting others' input in group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation and understanding
Explanation: The expedition aims to prove ancient people could have traveled across oceans and connected different cultures. This highlights the value of ancient civilizations and their contributions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious about and respectful towards different cultures, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore the unknown
Explanation: The crew's decision to embark on a seemingly impossible voyage on a basic raft shows immense courage.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of stepping out of their comfort zones to explore new ideas and learn new skills.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout their voyage, the crew faces various unexpected problems that they need to solve creatively and efficiently.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking critically and adapting to new situations to find solutions.