Secrets at Sea Theme of Family

We've got mice siblings scampering all over this book, plus no parents to keep them in line. And this means that sibling rivalries are the name of the game in Secrets at Sea—these sisters and brother sure do like to compete with each other. But even with all this drama, there are lots of sweet times too, like when the Cranston mice clean their little house together or when they cross the huge Atlantic Ocean. By the end of the book only one big question remains: through all the good times and bad, will the Cranston mice be able to keep their family together?

Questions About Family

  1. What characterizes sibling relationships in this book? Are the relationships among sisters different than the relationships between sisters and brothers?
  2. What are the positive aspects of families? Are there any negative elements?
  3. How are mice families similar to human families? Are there ways in which they are different?

Chew on This

Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.

Family takes the cake. When it comes to Helena, nothing trumps keeping her family all tied up together.

Family needs room to grow. Helena learns that it's okay for her family to change over time.