Grandad's Gifts (Picture Puffin)
Viking Kestrel Picture Books Series
What’s inside...
In 'Grandad's Gifts' by Paul Jennings, a young boy named Shane receives a series of mysterious and magical gifts from his Grandad. Each gift, while appearing ordinary at first, holds a unique and supernatural power that helps Shane navigate the challenges of his life. As Shane uncovers the secrets behind these gifts, he learns valuable lessons about love, loss, and the unbreakable bond between generations. The story is a heartwarming tale that combines elements of fantasy with the real-life emotions of growing up and dealing with family relationships. This is a chilling picture book with a twist in the tail, as Paul slowly brings a fox back to life by feeding its fur with lemons from the tree above its grave. But it's the lemons above Paul's grandfather's grave that give the fox its final gift, sight.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
31 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he found the gifts from his grandad?
What do you think is the most important thing the boy learned from his grandad?
Can you imagine what it would be like to receive a mysterious gift? What would you do?
Why do you think grandad left these gifts for the boy?
How did the gifts help the boy and what does that teach us about kindness and thoughtfulness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences with gifts or surprises from family members.
Discuss the emotions portrayed in the book, ask your child how they would feel in similar situations, emphasizing empathy and understanding.
Explore the concept of legacy and memories shared through objects or stories passed down from older generations.
Use the illustrations in the book to point out details that might not be mentioned in the text, helping to improve observational skills.
End your discussion by asking your child what kind of gift they would like to leave for someone else, focusing on the values of generosity and forethought.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonding
Explanation: The story emphasizes the strong bond between the protagonist and their grandfather, showcasing their shared experiences and the importance of the gifts exchanged between them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture relationships with family members, understanding that emotional ties and shared memories are precious gifts.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Grandad's gifts often spark curiosity and wonder, leading the protagonist into magical adventures. This highlights the power of imagination and creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination to explore the world around them and consider the potential magic of everyday objects and interactions.
Example Lesson: Understanding and Coping with Loss
Explanation: The narrative may touch on themes of loss when referring to memories associated with Grandad's gifts, subtly addressing the concept of bereavement.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that while physical presence may be lost, memories and the emotional impact of loved ones remain, helping them cope with loss in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Value of Thoughtfulness
Explanation: Each gift from Grandad is chosen with care, reflecting thoughtfulness and consideration for the protagonist's interests and needs.
Real-World Application: Illustrates to children the importance of being thoughtful in their own gift-giving and interactions, encouraging them to think about the feelings and preferences of others.