Flyaway Katie
on Goodreads (112)
What’s inside...
Katie is all alone and feeling grey. The colourful picture on her wall looks a much better place to be. If only Katie could brighten herself up, who knows what might happen. This story is an inspiring flight of fantasy about the powers of the imagination. Whoosh! Strange and wonderful things happen when a little girl lets her creativity fly in this buoyant picture-book debut.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-5
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What colors did Katie use to make her world brighter? Why do you think those colors made her happy?
How did Katie feel at the beginning of the book and how did her feelings change by the end? What made her feel different?
Katie made a wish in the story. If you could make any wish, what would it be and why?
What do you think the story tells us about how we can change our mood or feelings?
How did the things around Katie change when she became happier? Can you think of a time when you felt something similar?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing 'Flyaway Katie', use open-ended questions that foster creativity and insight. Show interest in your child’s responses and feelings about the book, validating their thoughts. Relate the story’s themes to your child’s personal experiences to deepen their understanding and connection. Encourage your child to describe and explore the emotions of the characters, helping them develop empathy and emotional awareness. Lastly, enjoy the visual richness of the book together, discussing the illustrations and how they complement the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Creativity
Explanation: In 'Flyaway Katie,' Katie uses her imagination to transform her gray, mundane world into a colorful, vibrant one. This transformation begins with her colorful outfit and spreads to her surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their creativity to solve problems and change their perception of their world. This can encourage them to think outside the box and see possibilities where they might not have before.
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Katie's story showcases how her unique choices in clothing and colors make her feel happy and bright, even when no one else around her looks the same.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be confident in their unique qualities and choices, teaching them the value of self-expression and the confidence to stand out from the crowd.
Example Lesson: Impact of Positive Thinking
Explanation: As Katie changes her outlook and brings color into her life, her world becomes brighter. This illustrates the power of a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by understanding that their thoughts can influence their emotions and actions, thereby shaping their experiences and interactions positively.
Example Lesson: Exploring New Perspectives
Explanation: The transformation of Katie’s gray world into a colorful one can be seen as a metaphor for seeing the world through new, imaginative perspectives.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be open to new ideas and viewpoints, greatly enriching their interactions and understanding of the world around them.