The Magic Boat

Written by Katherine Farris and Kit Pearson, Illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

Every summer morning, Ellie and her Nonna go to the beach. They swim and build sandcastles, and while Nonna reads, Ellie watches the other children play. One day Ellie builds up the courage to approach an older girl playing on her own in a beached rowboat. Piper has a gift, an imagination so great that she whisks Ellie off on grand adventures, going high in the air, deep below the ocean and everywhere in between in their little blue boat, their magic boat. When Piper has to leave, Ellie discovers she has her own vivid imagination.

Discussion Questions:

What is the real magic that you see in the story?
How can you help someone who is shy?
If you had a magic boat, where would you like it to take you?

Maker Connection:

Using plasticine make your own Magic Boat. Will it float? Test your boat to see if it floats in a basin (preferably clear) of water. Modify your boat as needed.

Extension: Does your boat still float if you add objects to your boat? If you have time, modify your design and retest it in the water.

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