The Storm (Lighthouse Family Book 1)
#1 of 8 in Lighthouse Family Series
What’s inside...
In 'The Storm', the first book of the Lighthouse Family series by Cynthia Rylant, we are introduced to Pandora the cat, who lives alone in a lighthouse by the sea, tending to the light and helping to guide ships to safety. Despite her fulfilling job, Pandora feels lonely. One day, a terrible storm hits, and after it subsides, Pandora finds a dog named Seabold washed ashore. Seabold is a sailor who has been injured in the storm. Pandora nurses him back to health, and as they spend time together, they form a strong bond. Seabold decides to stay with Pandora at the lighthouse, and they become a family. The story is about finding friendship, building a family, and the comfort of home. It is a heartwarming tale that emphasizes the importance of companionship and helping others. Newbery Medalist Cynthia Rylant brings the peaceful sounds, sights, and characters of the coast vividly to life in the first book of the Lighthouse Family series, in which Pandora and Seabold discover what it means to be part of a family.
Discussion points
What do you think made Pandora decide to open her door to Seabold during the storm?
How do you think Seabold felt when he first saw the lighthouse? Can you describe a time when you felt something similar?
What does 'family' mean to you? How do you see the family forming between Pandora, Seabold, and the mice?
How do the characters in the book show courage and kindness?
Why is it important to help others, like when Pandora and Seabold helped the mice?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story by relating it to their own experiences. Ask them to imagine themselves in the characters' situations, and discuss the decisions they would make. Use descriptive praise when your child makes insightful comments or connections. To deepen understanding, alternate between reading together and individual reading, followed by a discussion of each part. Highlight real-life examples of qualities displayed by characters like courage and kindness to reinforce these values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The characters in 'The Storm' show kindness and understanding towards each other, particularly when the main character, Pandora the cat, decides to take care of Seabold the dog after he is shipwrecked.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize when someone else is in need and how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Family
Explanation: Throughout the book, the newly formed family of Pandora, Seabold, and three orphaned mice work together and support each other, highlighting the theme that family isn't always defined by blood, but by care and connection.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the value of the families they create through friendships and community bonds, recognizing the diversity in family structures.
Example Lesson: Courage in Face of Adversity
Explanation: Seabold shows bravery when facing the storm at sea, and later, the characters collectively face the challenges of building a life together in the lighthouse.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be brave when facing their own challenges, whether it's starting at a new school, standing up for what is right, or dealing with difficult weather like storms.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the story exemplify working together effectively, particularly when they collaborate to maintain the lighthouse and keep each other safe.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of collaborating with others to achieve common goals, emphasizing that teamwork can lead to greater accomplishments.