Kozo the Sparrow
on Goodreads (164)
What’s inside...
Caldecott Medalist Allen Say's tale of a young boy who saves a baby bird from the local bullies is filled with compassion and empathy. Based on a true story and gorgeously illustrated, this story from an iconic picture book creator is not to be missed. A young boy sees a baby bird quivering in the hands of a neighborhood bully. Suddenly, he wants the orphan sparrow more than anything. He trades all his treasures for the bird and calls it Kozo, Little Boy. But how will he keep Kozo alive? In this painted album of memory, eight-year-old Allen Say talks about the best friend he made in his childhood.
Discussion points
What do you think made Kozo the Sparrow so special compared to other birds in the story?
How do you think Kozo felt when he embarked on his adventure?
Can you think of a time when you were brave like Kozo? What happened?
Why is it important to help friends, just like Kozo did in the story?
What would you do if you were Kozo for a day?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the questions, maintain eye contact to show your child that you're interested in their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage your child to elaborate on their answers by asking follow-up questions.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s personal experiences to make the conversation more relatable and meaningful.
Praise your child for their ideas and insights to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Kindness and compassion
Explanation: Kozo the Sparrow emphasizes the importance of helping others through the protagonist, Kozo, who aids his fellow birds in times of need.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by offering their help to friends or family members who are facing difficulties, fostering a caring community.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Kozo faces various challenges but his determination and resilience help him to overcome them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain persistent and optimistic even when faced with obstacles, helping them to develop a resilient mindset that is beneficial throughout life.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Kozo learns that working together with others can achieve greater results than working alone, as demonstrated when the birds collaborate to solve a problem.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate effectively with their peers in school projects or team sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: The book highlights the beauty and necessity of taking care of our environment, as Kozo and his friends thrive in their natural habitats.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to engage in activities that promote environmental health, such as recycling or planting trees, fostering an early responsibility for the Earth.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore
Explanation: Kozo embarks on various adventures, showing bravery in exploring new places and experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to be curious and adventurous, exploring new hobbies or making new friends, which is essential for personal growth and development.