Harvey the Owl Asks, 'Why?'
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Harvey the Owl is a curious little bird with an insatiable thirst for knowledge. In his quest to understand the world around him, Harvey embarks on a series of adventures, asking 'Why?' at every turn. Each question leads to a new discovery and an encounter with different animals and challenges, teaching Harvey and young readers about the importance of curiosity and perseverance. A curious little owl, Harvey struggles to find answers to his many questions, including why he is supposed to hoot 'who' like other owls. Other owls call him the little 'whys' guy. Harvey's mom begins to wonder too, 'Why do owls hoot, who?' Together, they find answers in The Great Book of WHO - The Bible for Birds. Most importantly, they discover their creator, the Great WHO, who knows them by name and their divine purpose - to declare His great name to all who hear them. Dare to think differently like Harvey, and find out how he brought a whole forest of owls together with one voice of praise. Sing along to 'Praise to WHO' by clicking the link provided.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-10
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Harvey the Owl asks so many questions?
What do you think Harvey learned after finding the answers to his questions?
If you could ask Harvey one question, what would it be and why?
How do you feel when you discover answers to your questions?
How did Harvey's curiosity help him understand his world better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Harvey by asking them about a time they felt curious about something and what they did to find the answer.
Discuss the importance of asking questions and how it helps us learn and understand new things.
After reading, encourage your child to come up with their own 'Why?' questions and explore the answers together.
Use expressive intonation and voice modulation while reading Harvey's questions to make the reading experience more engaging.
Praise your child’s responses and curiosity, reinforcing the positive aspects of learning and inquiry, just like Harvey.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Inquiry
Explanation: Harvey the Owl continuously asks 'Why?' throughout the book, encouraging exploration and learning.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by asking questions about their surroundings, enhancing their understanding and knowledge about the world.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Each time Harvey is answered, he proceeds to ask further, showcasing resilience in seeking knowledge despite challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in academics or personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: By asking 'Why?', Harvey shows concern and tries to understand the feelings and experiences of others.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with peers and adults, fostering better relationships and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Harvey uses the answers he receives to solve problems he encounters, illustrating the practical application of acquired knowledge.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children apply logical thinking and problem-solving skills in school tasks or interpersonal scenarios.