A Squirrel's Tale
#1 of 4 in Woodland Friends Series
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
A Squirrel's Tale is an animal fantasy fiction story set in the forests of South West Scotland, home to the last major colony of red squirrels in Britain. Rusty, a juvenile, orphaned red squirrel, witnesses the brutal murder of fellow red squirrels by an army of grey squirrels led by their ferocious leader, Abaddon. With the red squirrels' peaceful existence threatened, Rusty must warn the main clan and prepare to fight for the survival of their species, guided by a deep sense of destiny and the belief that the Lord of the Sky watches over them.
Discussion points
What do you think made the squirrel decide to go on an adventure?
How do you feel about the way the squirrel solved problems he encountered?
What would you do if you were in the squirrel’s place at different points in the story?
Why do you think the other animals helped the squirrel, and how does that make you feel about helping others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the squirrel’s journey to their own experiences by asking them about times they faced challenges and how they overcame them.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story, such as teamwork and perseverance, and ask your child to think of real-life examples they have seen or experienced.
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, changing your tone and pitch to match the mood of the narrative, which can make the conversation more engaging and immersive.
After reading the book, involve your child in activities like drawing their favorite scene or character, then ask them to explain their choice, deepening their connection and comprehension of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: In 'A Squirrel's Tale,' the main character faces numerous challenges in finding food for the winter. Through innovative thinking and trial and error, the squirrel successfully gathers enough supplies.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by breaking down their challenges into smaller, manageable tasks and finding solutions through creative thinking and perseverance.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the squirrel continues to persevere until it reaches its goal. This determination is portrayed through the squirrel’s relentless effort and resilience throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether it be in completing homework, learning a new skill, or building relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: Value of preparation
Explanation: The squirrel prepares for the challenging winter by gathering food early on. This foresight is a critical aspect of the story, illustrating the benefits of being prepared.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of preparing for future events, such as studying in advance for tests, packing the night before a school day, or saving money for upcoming needs.
Example Lesson: Sharing with others
Explanation: In the story, the squirrel ends up sharing some of its food with other less fortunate animals. This act of kindness demonstrates the importance of sharing and community support.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to share their possessions, time, and efforts with friends, siblings, or classmates, fostering a sense of community and empathy.
Example Lesson: Effects of nature on living creatures
Explanation: Through the squirrel’s journey, readers learn about the different ways in which seasons and environmental changes impact the lives of animals.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the interdependence between nature and living creatures, promoting environmental awareness and responsibility from a young age.