Grandpa and the Kingfisher
What’s inside...
Life-affirming and lyrical, this beautiful picture book celebrates the awesome power of nature and the circle of life. Over the course of a year, a young child and their dog watch kingfishers by the river with Grandpa. As spring turns to summer and autumn to winter, the kingfishers raise a family, while Grandpa teaches his grandchild about the power of nature and the circle of life. Written in memory of her father, whose favorite bird was the kingfisher, Anna Wilson takes readers on a lyrical journey through a year in the life of a kingfisher family. Stunning illustrations by Sarah Massini bring the riverbank to life in all its glory, while the powerful, intergenerational bond between grandparent and grandchild shows that just as spring always follows winter, hope will always return if you know where to look for it. A positive story about life, death, and being a part of the natural world.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the kingfisher taught Grandpa in the story?
How did the relationship between Grandpa and the kingfisher change throughout the book?
What feelings did you experience when Grandpa first met the kingfisher?
If you were to meet the kingfisher, what would you ask it?
What lessons can we learn about nature and friendship from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, validating their emotions and viewpoints.
Discuss the dynamics of Grandpa’s relationship with the kingfisher, drawing parallels to friendships and relationships in your child’s life.
Ask your child to imagine their own ending to the story or a new adventure for Grandpa and the kingfisher, enhancing their creativity and engagement with the book’s themes.
Explore the themes of nature and wildlife conservation raised in the book, perhaps with a follow-up activity such as bird watching or drawing wildlife.
Reinforce the values of patience and observation, as exemplified by Grandpa’s interactions with the kingfisher, and relate these to real-life situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: In 'Grandpa and the Kingfisher', the grandpa teaches the child how to patiently wait for the kingfisher to appear. This is demonstrated through their regular, quiet sits by the riverbank, attentively waiting.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in real life by learning to wait calmly for their turn, whether it’s in a game, at school, or while interacting with friends.
Example Lesson: Value of nature and wildlife
Explanation: The story highlights the interactions with the kingfisher and the beauty of the natural environment around the grandpa’s house. This instills a sense of wonder and respect for wildlife.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to explore and appreciate their natural surroundings, perhaps starting a birdwatching hobby or participating in local conservation efforts.
Example Lesson: Building strong family bonds
Explanation: The shared experiences between the grandchild and grandpa, like fishing and watching the kingfisher, underline the importance of spending quality time with family members.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in activities with their own family members, strengthening relationships and creating cherished memories.
Example Lesson: Learning from elders
Explanation: The grandpa imparts wisdom about life and nature throughout the book, teaching the child through stories and direct experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to listen to and learn from the experiences of their grandparents or elderly relatives, gaining knowledge that is not found in textbooks.
Example Lesson: Observation skills
Explanation: Closely observing the kingfisher and other aspects of their natural visits enhances the child’s attention to detail.
Real-World Application: Enhancing observation skills can help children in academic settings, like science projects, and in everyday life, such as noticing emotional cues in conversations with others.