FArTHER
What’s inside...
My Father's house was safe and rooted in the rock But inside he dreamed of air and flight. Step into an incredible world, where dreams that are passed from father to son make anything possible. A young boy is entranced by his father's ambition to fly. When his father goes off to war and doesn't return, the boy takes up that dream and makes it come true. Grown up, and with a son of his own, he then wonders to what amazing places this dream, passed down from generation to generation, will take his son - perhaps to the stars?
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy
The Father
Discussion points
How did the illustrations make you feel about the story?
What do you think the father wanted his son to learn from his dreams?
How do you think the son felt when he was looking at his father's creations?
Can you think of a time when you worked hard on something like the father in the story?
What message do you think the book is trying to share about following dreams?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book. Validate their sentiments and relate them to practical experiences in their own lives. Ask them to imagine themselves in the scenarios depicted in the book, fostering a deeper connection and understanding. Use the book’s themes to inspire conversations about aspirations, perseverance, and the significance of family support. Highlight any similar experiences in your family's history that resonate with the story's message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in achieving one’s dreams
Explanation: The story illustrates the boy's journey as he follows his dream of flying, inspired by his father’s ambitions and creations.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of determination and continuous effort to achieve their own goals, regardless of the challenges they may encounter.
Example Lesson: The value of creativity and innovation
Explanation: The father’s inventive spirit and creative designs in the story showcase the power of imagination.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their creative side and think innovatively in problem-solving situations, whether in academic projects or personal interests.
Example Lesson: Dealing with loss and coping
Explanation: The narrative delves into the emotional landscape of the boy as he copes with his father’s absence, teaching resilience and recovery.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand and manage feelings of loss or absence, providing them tools to emotionally navigate through difficult times.
Example Lesson: The importance of family bonds
Explanation: Despite the father’s absence, his influence remains strong in the boy's life, demonstrating enduring familial relationships.
Real-World Application: Reinforces the significance of family support and the impact of bonds that extend even in absence, teaching children the value of maintaining relationships.
Example Lesson: Inspiration can come from anywhere
Explanation: The boy’s motivation to complete his father’s work illustrates how inspiration can be drawn from the people and things around us.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to look for inspiration in their surroundings and the people they admire, encouraging a proactive stance towards learning and growth.