Island Tales
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
Two classic stories about the Isle of Scilly from War Horse author and former Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo. The Wreck of the Zanzibar: Life on the Scilly Isles in 1907 is bleak and full of hardship. Laura's twin brother, Billy, disappears, and then a storm devastates everything. It seems there's little hope . . . that is until the Zanzibar is wrecked on the island's rocks and everything changes. Why the Whales Came: Gracie and her friend, Daniel have always been warned to stay away from the Birdman and his side of the island. They find a message in the sand and discover the Birdman is not who they thought. Then the children get stranded on Samson Island . . . Michael Morpurgo is the master storyteller behind An Eagle in the Snow, Listen to the Moon, Private Peaceful, and An Elephant in the Garden. Michael has written more than one hundred books for children and won the Whitbread Award, the Smarties Award, the Circle of Gold Award, the Children's Book Award and has been short-listed for the Carnegie Medal four times.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
304 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to live on an island? How would your daily life be different?
Which character in 'Island Tales' did you find most interesting or relatable and why?
If you were to create your own island, what would it look like and who would live there with you?
How did the characters in the book handle challenges or solve problems they faced?
What lessons can we learn from the stories in 'Island Tales' about how we treat others and the world around us?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the themes, relate them to your child’s daily experiences to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Encourage your child to imagine and creatively express their own version of an island, enhancing their connection to the book’s setting.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to foster deeper thinking and understanding.
Use a map or globe to show real-world islands, enhancing the learning experience with a visual and interactive element.
After reading, consider co-creating a story or drawing about an adventure on an imaginary island, directly inspired by the tales in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Island Tales', Michael Morpurgo delves into characters who come from different backgrounds and face unique challenges. Throughout the narrative, characters learn to empathize with each other's experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to understand and respect differences among their peers, promoting inclusivity and harmony in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Several stories in 'Island Tales' portray characters who face difficult situations yet demonstrate courage to overcome obstacles. This constant theme shows the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of facing challenges bravely and not giving up, encouraging them to tackle their own obstacles with determination.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Storytelling
Explanation: Morpurgo uses a narrative style that emphasizes the power of storytelling to convey values and history. The stories within the book serve as a reminder of the oral tradition's role in cultural preservation.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate their own cultural stories and those of others, understanding the vital role of storytelling in sharing knowledge and moral values.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The settings of the islands in the book are portrayed with vivid descriptions that underline the beauty and fragility of these environments, subtly encouraging a respect for nature.
Real-World Application: This lesson can instill in children the importance of environmental conservation, prompting them to engage in activities that protect and respect their natural surroundings.