Pistes d'exploration

Write about a dream that you’ve had. Describe any fantastic or mystical qualities surrounding your dream. How is your dream similar to one of the characters’ dreams? 

Choose one of the dreams and research where that myth/folk tale originated. Share your findings with the class.

Following the instructions on the covers, construct a paper boat. 

Write a set of instructions to teach a younger child a new skill such as how to make a sandwich or how to take out the garbage.

Talk about dreams. What do you dream about? What do think your dreams mean? How is dreaming like sailing in a boat?

Define myths and folk tales and think of familiar examples. Based on the illustrations, deduce the countries of origin of these folk tales.

Make a class list of figurative language that is used to refer to water, boats and dreams. Look in the dictionary to find the meaning of new words.

Construct a paper boat by following the instructions on the covers of the book. Write a short story about sailing off in this boat in a dream. Use figurative language from the class list. Hang the boats from the ceiling of your class.

Just a Dream, Free Fall

Mots-clés

Folklore , Poetry , around the world , boats , dreams , folktales

Commentaire descriptif

In this trip around the world through the dreams of children, lyrical prose and stunning artwork combine to introduce readers to the diverse myths and folktales of Slavic, Hindu, Yoruba, Taoist and other cultures. The book draws readers in with a poetic invitation to “Close your eyes.Untie the moorings.Then push off from shore,” allowing them to participate vicariously in the adventures of young Maiqui in the Andes, floating through the constellations; Parvati, riding towards Mumbai in a creaky boat; Ivan, sailing into St. Petersburg, and more. Full-bleed double-page spreads of luscious, rich illustrations rely on a wide range of traditional media (ink, watercolour, acrylic, charcoal and pencil on vellum and paper) in combination with ephemera and textiles, as well as a digital finish to capture the fluidity of dreams and the mythical creatures and characters that inhabit them. A glossary provides brief explanatory notes on the myths and folk tales. Easy instructions for making an origami sailboat are printed on the inside and outside covers. The book could trigger an interesting discussion about dreams and the imaginary worlds children visit when they float off to sleep.