Anna and the Dream Catcher
#1 of 6 in Yana and Nonnie Series
What’s inside...
Anna and the Dream Catcher is a heartfelt story written by Rob Wedding, dedicated to his daughter who believed that her dream catcher became full whenever she had a bad dream. As a child, she would fight sleep in order to stay up and read, prompting her father to use creative methods to help her fall asleep. Wedding reflects on these memories and expresses his hope that his daughter will one day share similar moments with her own child.
Discussion points
What do you think Anna learned about herself from her adventure?
How did the dream catcher help Anna overcome her fears?
Why do you think friendship was important in Anna's story?
What would you have done if you were in Anna's situation?
How do dreams sometimes tell us about our feelings?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences similar to Anna's, promoting a deeper connection with the story.
Use expressive and varied tones while discussing different characters and scenarios to make the conversation lively and engaging.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage critical thinking and detailed conversation.
Link discussions to everyday situations and emotions to help your child understand the themes of bravery and self-discovery.
After discussing the questions, consider creating a DIY dream catcher together, reinforcing the story's themes through a fun activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery in facing fears
Explanation: Anna confronts her nightmares with the help of her magical dream catcher, showcasing courage.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own fears, whether it’s the dark, the first day of school, or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity
Explanation: The dream catcher serves as a tool for Anna to creatively manipulate her dreams, highlighting the power of imagination.
Real-World Application: Encourages kids to use their imagination as a resource in problem-solving and viewing situations in different ways.
Example Lesson: Support from loved ones
Explanation: Anna’s family gives her the dream catcher and supports her, illustrating the significance of having a supportive network.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to rely on family and friends for help during challenging times and to cherish those bonds.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Each night, Anna learns to be more resilient by controlling her dreams more effectively, demonstrating persistence.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles, and that resilience can be developed over time.