King of the Sky
on Goodreads (477)
What’s inside...
In this tale of a young boy, an old man, and a dauntless pigeon, a lyrical text and extraordinary illustrations offer a gorgeous meditation on loneliness, belonging, and home. A young Italian boy has moved to the Welsh hills with his family. He feels isolated and unhappy, a stranger in a strange land. It is only when he makes an unlikely friend, an old man who lets him fly one of his pigeons in a race, that he learns how he can belong. Nicola Davies's beautiful story, an immigrant's tale with powerful resonance in our troubled times, is illustrated by an artist who makes the world anew with every picture.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he moved to the new country? How would you feel in his place?
Why do you think the pigeons are important to the boy and Mr. Evans?
What does the sky symbolize in the story? What do you think 'King of the Sky' means?
How do the illustrations affect your feelings about the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone feel better, just like the pigeons helped the boy?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, briefly discuss your child's thoughts or experiences with moving to a new place or feeling out of place. This pre-discussion sets a personal connection to the book's themes.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on the illustrations and how they relate to the text. Ask how certain pictures make them feel and why, fostering a deeper understanding of visual storytelling.
After finishing the book, relate its themes to your child's experiences by asking if they have felt similar emotions. This personal connection reinforces empathy and comprehension.
Prompt your child to think about the broader themes, like friendship and belonging, using situational questions from their own lives to enhance critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'King of the Sky', a young boy moves to a new country and feels disconnected until he forms a bond with an old man and his racing pigeon. This relationship showcases how understanding and empathy can bridge cultural and generational gaps.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be empathetic towards classmates who might be from different cultural backgrounds or seem distant, encouraging inclusivity and friendship.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The story highlights the pigeon's challenging journey across many miles, emphasizing the theme of persistence in the face of obstacles.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to stay determined and keep working towards their goals, despite difficulties they might encounter.
Example Lesson: Belonging and Identity
Explanation: Throughout 'King of the Sky', the protagonist struggles with his sense of belonging in a new country. His involvement with the pigeon races helps him find a community and establish his identity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of engaging in community activities or groups to foster a sense of belonging and self-confidence.