The Old Boat
What’s inside...
The Old Boat is a beautifully illustrated picture book by brothers Jarrett and Jerome Pumphrey. It tells the story of a young boy and his grandmother who set sail off a small island in their beloved fishing boat. As they ride the waves, they dream and catch fish, but as the boy grows, he ventures further and faces challenges like pollution and a storm that wrecks the boat. Ultimately, he finds a new perspective on home and takes action to clean the island’s waters, creating a new life and a family of his own. The book is a masterful celebration of the natural world and the power of nurturing the places and communities we call home.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the old boat symbolizes in the story?
How do you feel about the relationship between the boat and the ocean?
Why do you think the boat stays in the same place for so long?
What can we learn from the way the boat handles challenges?
How did the ending make you feel, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the book's themes to encourage your child to open up.
Ask your child to imagine their own story about an old boat, which can help them connect personally with the theme.
Point out specific illustrations that might evoke feelings or thoughts, and ask your child what they see in these pictures.
Be open to your child's interpretations and feelings about the story, and ensure they feel their opinions are valued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The characters in 'The Old Boat' face challenging conditions but persistently work to overcome them, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to persevere through their own challenges, be it in school or in social situations.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The story showcases characters working together to navigate the old boat, emphasizing the value of cooperation and collective effort.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value and participate in teamwork during group activities or sports, understanding that collective efforts often lead to greater achievements.
Example Lesson: Caring for the environment
Explanation: As the characters interact with their surroundings on their journey, there are elements in the story that highlight the importance of environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be more environmentally conscious, practicing recycling, and caring for nature in their own community.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore
Explanation: The journey taken by the characters in the boat symbolizes adventure and the courage to explore unknown territories.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore new hobbies, make new friends, and learn about different cultures, expanding their horizons.
Example Lesson: Heritage and legacy
Explanation: The old boat represents a connection to the past and carries stories and history that the characters cherish and learn from throughout their journey.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to respect and show interest in their family histories and cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.