Snake Dreamer
on Goodreads (47)
What’s inside...
Dusa is excited to see two doctors on television discussing her rare condition called snake dreaming. She travels to their clinic in Greece, only to discover that the doctors have sinister intentions. The story is published by Fitzhenry and Whiteside.
Age
12-15
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Dusa felt when she was trying to be brave? Can you share a time when you felt similar?
What did you learn about snakes from this book? Do you think they are just scary, or could they be interesting too?
Dusa makes some important decisions in the story. What would you have done if you were in her shoes?
Why is it important to respect and protect wildlife, even if they seem scary or dangerous?
How do the illustrations help you understand Dusa’s emotions and the story better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they know about snakes before reading the book to gauge their initial thoughts and feelings.
Encourage your child to express their emotions about the story and relate them to their own experiences.
Discuss the choices the characters make in the story and ask your child what they would do differently, promoting critical thinking.
Explore the moral lessons about courage and understanding fears, linking them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Use the illustrations in the book as a talking point to delve deeper into the story’s themes and messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: In 'Snake Dreamer', the protagonist's fascination with snakes is seen as unusual, but ultimately teaches acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect others' unique interests and perspectives, fostering inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The main character overcomes fear and misunderstanding from others about her passion for snakes, demonstrating personal strength.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stay true to their beliefs and passions, even when facing challenges or criticism.
Example Lesson: The importance of following one's passion
Explanation: The protagonist's dedication to studying snakes guides her to a fulfilling path, underscoring the value of pursuing one's interests.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore and engage deeply with their own areas of interest, which can lead to personal satisfaction and academic enrichment.
Example Lesson: Gaining knowledge to overcome fear
Explanation: As the character learns more about snakes, her knowledge helps to dispel fears others have about them.
Real-World Application: Educating oneself about misunderstood subjects can lead to greater understanding and reduced fear, promoting a more informed and compassionate worldview.