The Wreck of the Zephyr 30th Anniversary Edition
not part of a series
What’s inside...
In 1983, award-winning illustrator Chris Van Allsburg first captivated readers with the tale of the Zephyr, a small sailboat wrecked on a cliff. Readers were invited to ponder how it got there—could the sea have been so tumultuous? Now, on the 30th anniversary, Van Allsburg invites readers back to this mysterious wreck to uncover the story of the boy whose obsession with becoming the world's greatest sailor led him into a storm that transported him to a magical place where boats sail on the wind. This edition features spare text, haunting full-color pastels, and includes a bonus digital audio file read by the author, along with a new jacket, allowing readers to once again entertain the marvelous possibility of dreams.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the boy want to sail beyond the horizon, and what would you want to explore?
How did the boy feel when he was learning to control the Zephyr, and how do you feel when you're learning something new?
What do you think the villagers thought when they saw the boy and the Zephyr?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town today?
Can you describe a time when you believed you could do something impossible, like the boy with the Zephyr?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share their feelings and thoughts about the story, comparing them to their own experiences.
Ask open-ended questions that prompt your child to think critically about the themes of determination and adventure.
Relate the story's setting and the boy's journey to real-life geography and adventures.
Discuss the illustrations and how they add depth to the story, prompting visualization and artistic appreciation.
Use the fantastical elements of the story to ignite your child’s imagination and creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces several obstacles while trying to master sailing but does not give up despite failures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting through challenges whether in learning new skills, sports, or academic subjects.
Example Lesson: Humility
Explanation: After achieving an extraordinary feat, the protagonist learns that pride can lead to consequences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain humble and appreciate their accomplishments without boasting or underestimating others.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Curiosity
Explanation: The story's fantastical elements encourage children to explore their imagination and be curious about the world around them.
Real-World Application: Fosters creativity and innovative thinking in children, crucial skills in problem-solving and intellectual development.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The protagonist's decisions directly affect the outcome of his journey, showing how actions lead to consequences.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of thinking decisions through and recognizing potential outcomes.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite the setbacks and the ultimate shipwreck, the protagonist's spirit remains unbroken.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to recover from setbacks and maintain a strong will, adapting to situations without losing hope.