Wider Than The Sea
What’s inside...
The powerful tale of a girl who feels broken, and the dolphin who makes her whole. A story of friendship, hope and self-discovery, perfect for readers aged 9+, and beautifully illustrated in black and white by George Ermos. Ró finds school impossible. She knows people think she's shy - and stupid. But when she goes to the bay each afternoon to watch the dolphin leap through the water, she finds the strength to keep going. Then the dolphin disappears, and everything starts falling apart. Can Ró overcome her fears to find him? As she searches for the missing dolphin, Ró discovers her own resilience and the power of connection.
Age
9-12
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters' journey across the sea make you feel and why?
What do you think the sea symbolizes in the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to overcome a challenge like the characters did?
What did the characters learn about themselves by the end of the story?
How would you have handled the situation differently if you were a character in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book by relating the story's themes to their own experiences. Ask them to draw parallels between the challenges faced by the characters and challenges they face in their own life. This opens up a deeper understanding of the narrative. Make sure to listen actively to your child’s responses, validating their feelings and thoughts, to foster an open and supportive discussion environment. Highlight the moral or lessons learned from the story to reinforce positive values.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Wider Than The Sea,' the main character, Mia, learns to understand the feelings of her new marine friends, emphasizing the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings and perspectives of others, whether at home or in school.
Example Lesson: Courage and Overcoming Fears
Explanation: Mia faces her fear of water and discovers a fascinating underwater world, demonstrating courage in trying new things despite initial fears.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and try new activities which can lead to personal growth and new discoveries.
Example Lesson: Importance of Environmental Conservation
Explanation: Through her adventures, Mia learns about the impact of pollution on marine life and the importance of protecting natural habitats.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage in environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling and conserving water, to protect nature.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story shows Mia developing strong bonds with her marine friends, highlighting the value of friendship and cooperation.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to cultivate and cherish friendships and learn how working together can solve problems.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Mia's journey under the sea is filled with learning about different marine creatures and their environments, showcasing the joy of learning.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to explore and ask questions about the world around them, enhancing their knowledge and critical thinking skills.