#1 in Olive's Ocean Series
Junonia
on Goodreads (2,846)
What’s inside...
Junonia follows the story of a 10-year-old girl, Alice Rice, on her birthday vacation in Florida. She loves this annual family trip until she realizes it won't be the same this year due to the absence of some regular attendees. The book beautifully portrays the emotions and tribulations of a young girl growing up.
Discussion points
How do you think Alice felt when her birthday celebration didn’t go as planned?
What would you have done if you were in Alice's shoes during her search for a junonia shell?
Why do you think the relationships Alice has with the returning visitors and newcomers are important in the story?
Alice learns a lot about change and expectations. Can you share a time when things didn’t go as you expected? How did you handle it?
What does the junonia shell symbolize in the story? How does it relate to Alice’s personal growth?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Alice’s experiences, drawing parallels to their own life. Use empathetic listening, reflect on their comments, and validate their feelings to deepen understanding of the book’s themes. Highlight the significance of growth and adapting to change, reinforcing these values through personal anecdotes or family stories. Lastly, weaving in discussions about the importance of patience and perseverance can make the conversation both educational and inspiring.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Adapting to change
Explanation: In 'Junonia,' the protagonist, Alice, experiences changes in her annual family trip, challenging her to adapt to new situations and people.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace changes in their own lives, such as moving to a new school or welcoming a new family member, by understanding that change can lead to new opportunities and experiences.
Example Lesson: Valuing friendships
Explanation: Alice learns to appreciate and nurture her friendships, even when faced with the jealousy and feelings of being left out.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of being a good friend and managing complex emotions in friendships, helping them build stronger, more supportive connections with their peers.
Example Lesson: Persistence in achieving goals
Explanation: The story shows Alice's determined quest to find a rare junonia shell, symbolizing her persistence and hope.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to stay determined and keep striving towards their own goals, whether they’re academic achievements or personal projects.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the small joys
Explanation: Throughout the book, Alice learns to find joy in the smaller, simpler moments, despite some disappointments.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to find happiness in everyday moments and be grateful for what they have, fostering a positive mindset and resilience.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery and growth
Explanation: Alice’s experiences throughout her vacation lead her to a deeper understanding of herself and her emotions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to reflect on their own experiences and emotions, aiding their personal growth and emotional intelligence.