The King and the Sea
on Goodreads (258)
What’s inside...
These stunningly illustrated, ultra-short stories are seemingly simple but ultimately profound tales. In each story, the king has an encounter which he tries to rule over. But of course the rain doesn’t stop just because a king orders it, and tired eyelids can be much stronger than a king’s will. The king sees that his power has limits; the world is diverse and much of it operates under its own rules.
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
King
Discussion points
What do you think the King learned from his interactions with the sea?
How did the King's feelings change throughout the book, and why do you think they changed?
If you were the King, how would you have approached the situation with the sea?
What does the story tell us about the importance of understanding and respecting nature?
Can you think of a time when you felt like the King and how did you handle the situation?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions and reactions of the King in different scenarios. Use expressive read-aloud techniques to emphasize various tones and moods in the story. Link parts of the story to real-life experiences your child may have had with nature or feeling in charge. Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or how they would interact with other characters in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding perspective
Explanation: In 'The King and the Sea', the king, despite his royal status, learns from simple and mundane elements of daily life. This helps children understand that everyone, irrespective of their role, can learn from various perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by being open to learning from everyone around them, whether it's a teacher, a peer, or even observations from their environment.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The interactions between the king and other characters, like the bee or the sea, showcase moments of understanding and kindness. These interactions highlight the importance of considering others' feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be empathetic towards their friends and family, understanding their emotions and offering kindness.
Example Lesson: Impact of actions
Explanation: The story illustrates how the king's actions affect those around him and the environment. Whether it's dealing with the sea or a small ant, the narrative conveys the significance of thoughtful actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their actions, no matter how small, have consequences. It encourages them to think about how what they do can affect others and their surroundings.
Example Lesson: Humility
Explanation: Despite being a king, the main character in the book faces situations where he is not in control and must accept help. This shows that no matter how powerful someone is, humility is important.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain humble, appreciate when others offer help, and recognize that it's okay to not always be in control.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The king's various encounters with elements like the wind, the sea, and animals reflect a sense of curiosity and a desire to explore the world around him.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious, ask questions, and explore the world around them, leading to a better understanding and continuous learning.