The Zoom Trilogy: Zoom at Sea * Zoom Away * Zoom Upstream
The Zoom Trilogy Series
on Goodreads (41)
What’s inside...
The Zoom Trilogy, written by Tim Wynne-Jones, is a collection of three enchanting children's books featuring a curious and adventurous cat named Zoom. In 'Zoom at Sea,' Zoom discovers his love for water and sets out on a magical journey aboard a ship where he meets Maria and explores the ocean's wonders. 'Zoom Away' continues his adventures as Zoom receives a mysterious letter that leads him to Maria's house, where he finds a secret passage to the North Pole. Finally, 'Zoom Upstream' sees Zoom and Maria embarking on a river quest in search of Zoom's long-lost uncle, Captain Roy. Throughout the trilogy, Zoom's explorations take him to fantastical places, where he learns about friendship, bravery, and the joy of discovery.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Zoom
Maria
Discussion points
What adventures would you go on if you had a magical cat like Zoom?
How do you think Zoom feels when he discovers new places?
Why do you think the author chose a cat as the main character for these adventures?
What lessons do you think Zoom learns during his travels?
How would you help Zoom if you were a character in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
To spark meaningful conversations, relate the themes of exploration and curiosity in the book to your child's own experiences. Ask them about a time they tried something new and how it felt. Encourage them to imagine beyond the story by asking what adventures they might go on with Zoom. This connection helps deepen their understanding of the narrative and fosters a love for reading and discovery.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Zoom, the adventurous cat, explores new worlds in each book, showcasing how curiosity can lead to discovering wonderful new places and experiences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore their own environments, whether it’s at home, school, or during outings, enhancing cognitive and observational skills.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the trilogy, Zoom encounters various challenges that he must think through and solve, demonstrating the importance of critical thinking and determination.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to approach problems with a positive attitude and shows that perseverance can help overcome obstacles in their daily activities and learning processes.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Cooperation
Explanation: Zoom meets many different characters during his travels and learns to cooperate and ask for help, highlighting the value of friendship and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to work collaboratively in group settings, such as in school projects or team sports, fostering social skills and mutual respect among peers.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Adventure
Explanation: Zoom's willingness to embark on new adventures can inspire a love for adventure and an open-minded attitude towards new experiences.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to embrace new activities, be it trying out a new sport, learning a musical instrument, or engaging in creative crafts, helping to broaden their horizons and personal growth.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The fantastical elements and imaginative settings in the books encourage creative thinking, demonstrating that imagination can transform the mundane into something extraordinary.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to use their imagination in play and creative expression, which is fundamental in cognitive development and problem-solving skills.