Ship in a Bottle
on Goodreads (358)
What’s inside...
A valiant mouse sets sail in her ship in a bottle to seek a better life in this gentle allegory about refugees and immigration. All Mouse wants to do is eat gingersnaps, lie in the sun, and enjoy her ship in a bottle. All Cat wants to do is eat Mouse. This is a problem. So one day, Mouse sets off in her ship in a bottle in search of a new home. But the great big world is a scary place for one small mouse. As she sails downriver, she faces grabby seagulls, selfish rabbits, and stormy waters before finally finding refuge in a park on the shores of an enormous city, where she is welcomed by friends of all shapes and sizes. Readers will cheer Mouse's quiet perseverance on her epic journey as she seeks a tiny spot to call her own.
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mouse
Discussion points
What do you think the mouse might have felt being inside the bottle? Can you think of a time when you felt similar?
How did the mouse solve its problem? What would you have done if you were in its place?
Why do you think the mouse wanted to get out of the bottle? What does freedom mean to you?
How do the other characters in the story help the mouse? What does this tell us about friendship and teamwork?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, highlighting any personal connections they make.
Use prompts from the story to discuss broader themes such as problem-solving, resilience, and the importance of seeking help when needed.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios within the book, stimulating their creative thinking.
Relate the mouse’s feelings and experiences to real-life situations to help your child understand empathy and perspective-taking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: In 'Ship in a Bottle,' the mouse protagonist creatively figures out how to free the ship from the bottle.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of thinking outside the box and applying logical reasoning to overcome obstacles in daily life.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, the mouse faces various challenges but does not give up on the goal of liberating the ship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and determination, encouraging them to keep trying despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The mouse receives help from new friends met along the journey, highlighting the power of collaboration and support.
Real-World Application: Children understand the importance of building friendships and cooperating with others to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The central character's adventure begins with a curiosity about the ship in the bottle, driving the entire narrative.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore their environment, sparking a love for learning and discovery.