Flotsam

Author: David Wiesner
Illustrator: David Wiesner
Publisher: Clarion
Date: 2006
Awards: ALA Notable Children's Books (2007), Caldecott Medal (2007)
Ages: 4-12
Topics: wordless book, flotsam, photography, underwater, fantasy, imagination, camera
Summary: A boy discovers a camera on the seashore and becomes immersed in a world of fantasy.

Book Connections

• Flotsam Website by David Wiesner
• Flotsam from Wikipedia
• Flotsam Video
  Watch a short video promotion for Flotsam
• Floating Treasures Capture Author's Imaginations from National Public Radio
  Listen to a radio interview with the author.

Topic Connections

Flotsam

• Flotsam and jetsam from Wikipedia
  Basic information
• Flotsam Science from Science News Online
  Read an article about floating junk.
• Oceans Awash With Microscopic Plastic, Scientists Say from National Geographic

Flotsam Stories

• Drifting Rubber Ducks Chart Oceans of Plastic from Christian Science Monitor
  Tracking rubber ducks
• Rubber Ducks Make Cross-Oceanic Voyage from National Public Radio
  Listen to a radio story about flotsam.
• Rubber Duckies Map the World from CBS News
  Explore a map showing the movement of rubber duckies
• The Strange and Brief Life of a Young Pirate from National Public Library
  Listen to a radio story about a young pirate and the artifacts they've found.

Learning Connections

• The Camera. Write your own adventure about a camera. Where was it found? What pictures are on the camera?
• The Words. Flotsam is a wordless book. Write your own story to go with the book.
• More Story. Choose a page from Flotsam and write another story that goes beyond the book.
• Flotsam Contest. Check out the results of the Flotsam project. Create your own contest and take photos!

Teaching Connections

• Try a WebQuest:
  • Flotsam Speaks: A Journey to the Unknown (4th grade)

Learn More

Do a Thinkfinity search for lessons related to Flotsam.

 

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