The Story of the Blue Planet
What’s inside...
Brimir and Hulda are best friends who live on a small island on a beautiful blue planet where there are only children and no adults. Their planet is wild and at times dangerous, but everything is free, everyone is their friend, and each day is more exciting than the last. One day, a strange adult named Gleesome Goodday arrives with promises of making life more fun with magical inventions like sun-activated flying powder. However, his true intentions are revealed when Hulda and Brimir discover a dark side of the planet with sickly children. They must now convince their friends that Goodday's gifts come at a dangerous cost. A fantastical adventure unfolds in this beautifully told tale that challenges readers of all ages.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
135 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you lived on a planet like Brimir and Hulda? What would be the most exciting part?
If you had the power to make everyone happy, what would you do differently on Earth?
What do you think about Gleesome Goodday's choices? Were they truly for the good of the planet?
How do you think the story would change if another character made the decisions instead of Gleesome Goodday?
Why is it important to think about how our actions affect others, even if they seem fun at first?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own reflections on the book to model thoughtful engagement. Ask open-ended questions that relate the fantasy elements to real-world scenarios your child might face. Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters' decisions and actions. Validate their feelings and provide gentle guidance to help them consider different perspectives. Finally, connect themes from the book to your child’s everyday experiences for deeper understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility towards environment
Explanation: In 'The Story of the Blue Planet', children learn the importance of taking care of their environment as they see the protagonists dealing with the consequences of their actions on their planet's ecosystem.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in recycling, conserving water, and learning about local flora and fauna to foster an appreciation and responsibility towards their own environment.
Example Lesson: Consequences of selfishness
Explanation: The book explores themes of greed and selfishness when the children on the Blue Planet are given the power to fly but at a cost to others, leading to disastrous outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider how their actions affect others and to think about being fair and kind in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of critical thinking
Explanation: The characters in the book are faced with complex situations that require them to question authority and the status quo, promoting critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to ask questions and analyze situations rather than accepting things at face value in their everyday life, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of courage and friendship
Explanation: Throughout their adventures, the protagonists demonstrate bravery and the importance of supporting each other, highlighting the strength found in friendship.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child’s life as they face their own challenges, understanding that bravery and supportive friendships are valuable assets.