The Lamp, the Ice, and the Boat Called Fish: Based on a True Story
What’s inside...
In 1913, the ship Karluk, part of the Canadian Arctic Expedition, became stuck in the Arctic ice. The ship carried a diverse mix of people including a captain, crew, scientists, explorers, a cat, forty sled dogs, Inupiaq hunters, and an Inupiaq family with two small girls. Despite their survival skills, including hunting, sewing, and building snow houses, and the captain’s leadership, their chances of surviving the harsh Arctic conditions were slim. The story is told poetically and illustrated with scratchboard art that highlights the Inupiaq culture. Readers will learn about ancient crafts and the way of life in the high north, including the landscapes and wildlife such as the ptarmigan.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the Boat Called Fish such a special vessel in the story?
How do you think the crew felt when they were stuck in the ice, and how would you feel in that situation?
What role did the lamp play in the survival of the crew?
Why is teamwork important in overcoming challenges, as seen in the story?
How do you think the cold environment affected the adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the characters’ shoes to better understand their feelings and decisions. Use visuals from the book to help explain the harsh, icy setting and discuss how the environment plays a crucial role in the story. Highlight the themes of perseverance and teamwork, relating them to real-life situations your child might face. Ask open-ended questions that provoke critical thinking and personal connections to the story’s events.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: This story portrays the crew's ability to withstand harsh, unpredictable conditions while stranded on ice in the Arctic.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain strong and keep trying even when they face challenges or difficult situations in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The survival of the crew depended on their ability to work together and support one another during their ordeal.
Real-World Application: This lesson emphasizes the importance of cooperating with others and valuing each team member's contributions, applicable in group projects or family activities.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and problem-solving
Explanation: The characters in the book demonstrate ingenuity by converting their stranded boat into a shelter and using available resources to survive.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by thinking creatively to solve problems they encounter at school or at home, learning to use what is available effectively.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature's might
Explanation: The book highlights the vast, powerful landscape of the Arctic, showcasing nature’s dominating force.
Real-World Application: It encourages respect and admiration for the environment, urging kids to be conscious of the natural world and its impacts.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness
Explanation: Based on a true story, the book provides insight into historical events and the human spirit's endurance, offering a window into the past.
Real-World Application: This fosters curiosity about history and an understanding of different times, helping children to connect with and learn from historical events and stories.