When the Sea Turned to Silver
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon Companion Books Series
on Goodreads (6,313)
What’s inside...
Pinmei's gentle, loving grandmother always has the most exciting tales for her granddaughter and the other villagers. However, the peace is shattered one night when soldiers of the Emperor arrive and kidnap the storyteller. Everyone knows that the Emperor wants something called the Luminous Stone That Lights the Night. Determined to have her grandmother returned, Pinmei embarks on a journey to find the Luminous Stone alongside her friend Yishan, a mysterious boy who seems to have his own secrets to hide. Together, the two must face obstacles usually found only in legends to find the Luminous Stone and save Pinmei's grandmother--before it's too late. A fast-paced adventure that is extraordinarily written and beautifully illustrated, When the Sea Turned to Silver is a masterpiece companion novel to Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and Starry River of the Sky. This breathtaking, full-color illustrated fantasy is inspired by Chinese folklore, and is a companion to the Newbery Honor winner.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
384 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Pinmei
Yishan
Amah (The Storyteller)
Tiger Emperor
Discussion points
How did Pinmei's bravery change throughout the story?
Why do you think storytelling was so important to the characters in the book?
What did you learn about the significance of family and community from Pinmei and Yishan's adventure?
How can we apply the lessons from the folklore in the book to our everyday lives?
What would you do if you were in Pinmei's shoes on her quest?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts freely by showing interest through nodding and affirming responses. Delve deeper into the moral aspects by asking how they would feel or react in similar situations as the characters. Connect the mythical elements to real-life by discussing how ancient stories can still hold valuable lessons today.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Pinmei, embarks on a daring quest to save her grandmother, demonstrating perseverance despite challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face obstacles with courage and determination, building resilience required for everyday challenges.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: Throughout the book, stories are used to connect characters and convey important life lessons, highlighting storytelling’s significance in heritage and wisdom.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and share their own stories and listen to others, enhancing communication and empathy skills.
Example Lesson: Importance of bravery and self-sacrifice
Explanation: Pinmei’s journey showcases acts of bravery and self-sacrifice, as she puts others' needs before her own.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of altruism and courage in protecting and helping others, useful in fostering community and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation
Explanation: The book is rich in Chinese folklore and mythology, offering a window into a different culture and its traditions.
Real-World Application: Promotes cultural awareness and sensitivity, encouraging children to explore and respect a variety of cultural backgrounds, broadening their worldviews.