DreamWorks Gabby's Dollhouse: MerCat's Mermaid Adventure
DreamWorks Gabby'S Dollhouse Series
What’s inside...
Join Gabby and her feline friend MerCat as they embark on a whimsical underwater adventure in the magical world of Gabby's Dollhouse. Together, they'll explore the ocean's depths, meet new friends, and discover the true meaning of teamwork and friendship.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Gabby
Mercat
Pandy Paws
Discussion points
What do you think MerCat learned from her adventure under the sea?
How did MerCat’s friends help her during her journey? Can you think of a time when a friend helped you?
If you were a character in the story, which scene would you want to be part of and why?
What would you do if you found a magical underwater world like MerCat?
How do you think the sea creatures felt when MerCat visited their home?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by asking your child to describe their favorite part of the book and why they liked it. This can lead to a deeper discussion about the characters and their experiences. Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, and ask how they would react in similar situations. This not only makes the conversation more interactive but also helps develop empathy and decision-making skills. Use follow-up questions that relate to your child’s personal experiences to create connections between the story and their own life. Finish by asking what lessons they might take away from MerCat’s adventure to apply in their own adventures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: In the story, Gabby and MerCat must work together to navigate through various underwater challenges, demonstrating the importance of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in group activities at school or during play, learning to cooperate and value each other’s contributions.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: As they encounter obstacles in their adventure, Gabby and MerCat use their creativity and critical thinking skills to find solutions, highlighting how problem solving is crucial in overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids can use similar strategies to tackle their own challenges, whether in their studies, in sports, or in their social interactions.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The characters’ journey into the underwater world stirs curiosity and the desire to explore new environments and learn from them.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to explore new topics, ask questions, and gain knowledge through discovery, applicable in educational settings or while learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Kindness and Friendship
Explanation: Throughout their adventure, Gabby and MerCat show kindness to each other and the sea creatures they meet, which helps them make new friends and allies.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of kindness in building and maintaining friendships, which is essential in their daily interactions both in and outside of school.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Fears
Explanation: MerCat initially feels apprehensive about the adventure but decides to face her fears with Gabby's support, promoting bravery and self-confidence.
Real-World Application: Children can reflect on this when facing their own fears, understanding that it's okay to be scared and that confronting these fears with support from friends or family is a positive step.