Edie and the Box of Flits
#1 of 2 in Edie and the Flits Series
What’s inside...
A modern classic for readers of THE BORROWERS - about eleven-year-old Edie Winter and her magical box of winged people that only children can see. When eleven-year-old Edie Winter finds a mysterious box on the London Underground she's amazed to discover that it's home to a family of Flits - tiny winged people. But Impy, Speckle and Nid need Edie's help. Not only do they need supplies (rice crispies, sugar sprinkles, digestive biscuits and raisins) and someone to look after them, but their brother Jot has run away and they need Edie's help to find him. Set against the backdrop of London and its Underground network, EDIE AND THE BOX OF FLITS is a story about friendship, family and noticing the little things in life. With delightful black-and-white illustrations by animator, cartoonist and illustrator Joe Berger.
Discussion points
What do you think Edie felt when she discovered the Flits?
How would you solve a problem if you were as small as a Flit?
What does this story teach us about helping others?
Why is it important to keep promises, like Edie did?
How do you think the story would change if Edie hadn't found the Box of Flits?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Edie's shoes to deepen their understanding of her emotions and decisions.
Discuss the importance of empathy by asking how they would feel and react if they met the Flits.
Relate the themes of the book to personal experiences or family stories to make connections beyond the text.
Highlight the moral lessons in the story, and ask your child how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Use creative prompts, like drawing or writing a short story about a new adventure for Edie and the Flits, to engage your child further with the themes of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Edie learns to understand and empathize with the tiny flits she discovers, who have lives and concerns as complex as her own.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the feelings and viewpoints of others, fostering a more compassionate approach to the people around them in school or at play.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Throughout the adventure, Edie demonstrates bravery as she navigates challenges to help her tiny friends, showing that courage isn't about the absence of fear but facing it head-on.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own fears and challenges, whether it's trying out for a team, standing up for a friend, or tackling a difficult subject at school.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving and Resourcefulness
Explanation: The book showcases Edie's ability to think on her feet and come up with creative solutions to help the flits, highlighting the importance of resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by using their imagination and critical thinking in difficult or unexpected situations, whether in their academic tasks or personal life.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Edie's journey underlines the power of friendship and teamwork as she collaborates with others to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining positive relationships and how collaboration can lead to achieving common goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature and the Environment
Explanation: The story promotes awareness of environmental issues through Edie's interaction with the natural world and the flits’ habitat.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be mindful of their environment, understanding the impacts of their actions on nature, and to take an active role in environmental conservation.