Finding Hope
#1 of 1 in A Whistledown Farm Adventure Series
on Goodreads (48)
What’s inside...
The first book in a warm and beautifully observed farm adventure series from Nicola Baker, star of Our Farm in the Dales. Perfect for readers 8+ and fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Michael Morpurgo, Dick King Smith, and The Snow Foal. With stunning illustrations from Rachael Dean throughout. When ten-year-old Ava moves to Whistledown Farm while her parents are working abroad, she must swap city life for mud, wellies, and animals. But as one catastrophe follows another, will Ava learn to love life on the farm and find hope in nature? And can a very special little lamb show Ava that when all might seem lost, hope can be found...
Discussion points
What made Hope feel better when she was feeling sad? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
How did Hope's friends help her throughout the story? Why is it important to have supportive friends?
What are some of the ways that Hope showed courage? Can you share an example of when you were brave?
Why do you think Hope kept looking for the hidden treasure? What does this tell you about her?
How do you think the story would change if you were a character in it? What would you do differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their personal experiences to those of Hope, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Discuss the importance of resilience and how Hope's journey can be applied to everyday challenges your child might face.
Emphasize the role of friendship in the book and ask your child to talk about their own friendships and what they value in them.
Before discussing each key question, allow your child to express their feelings about the book. This will help them feel more comfortable and make the conversation more engaging.
Highlight examples of Hope's problem-solving skills and invite your child to think about times when they solved a problem or made a decision.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: The main character in 'Finding Hope' faces significant challenges but learns to overcome them through perseverance and self-belief.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up easily when they face difficulties in school or in their personal lives, understanding that persistence is key to overcoming obstacles.
Example Lesson: Importance of support networks
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist receives support from friends and family, illustrating how critical a support system is during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to seek help and lean on their own networks of friends and family when they feel overwhelmed or need assistance, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Characters in the book show compassion towards each other, which helps in healing and building stronger relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be considerate and kind towards others, which can improve their social interactions and foster positive relationships in school and at home.
Example Lesson: Hope and optimism
Explanation: The title itself, 'Finding Hope', reflects the overarching theme of finding light in dark times, which the characters epitomize by staying hopeful about the future.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain a positive outlook even during challenging circumstances, which can enhance their overall mental and emotional wellbeing.