My Thoughts Have Wings
What’s inside...
A heartwarming tale of a young protagonist who discovers the power of imagination and the value of self-expression. Through a series of adventures, the character learns important life lessons and the significance of friendship and creativity. Maggie Smith, bestselling author of the viral poem 'Good Bones' and the memoir 'You Could Make This Place Beautiful,' delivers a lyrical and reassuring picture book perfect for calming active minds at bedtime (or anytime). At bedtime, when lights go out, sometimes thoughts stay on, with scary things and worries fluttering around. But a little imagination (and a lot of love) can create a cozy nest for happy thoughts—and sweet dreams for little ones.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What dream would you love to chase, just like the characters in the book?
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges?
Why is it important to believe in your dreams, even if they seem impossible at first?
How can you help a friend who is discouraged about their dreams?
What are some steps you can take to make your dreams come true?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing, relate personal stories of when you chased a dream and the obstacles you faced, to make the conversation relatable.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their own dream after reading the book to deepen their connection to the theme.
Praise their thoughts and ideas during the conversation to boost their confidence and reassure them that their dreams are important.
Ask follow-up questions about their answers to encourage deeper thinking and understanding of the theme.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and how characters in the book demonstrate this trait.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Creativity
Explanation: In 'My Thoughts Have Wings,' the protagonist explores various ways of expressing herself creatively, showcasing the importance of imagination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their creativity to solve problems, express their feelings, and create art, fostering a vibrant and dynamic approach to daily challenges and interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: The book highlights the character consistently facing and overcoming obstacles, illustrating that perseverance is key to success.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting despite difficulties, whether in academic tasks, sports, or personal goals, building resilience and determination.
Example Lesson: Importance of Self-Expression
Explanation: The story emphasizes the protagonist’s journey to finding her own voice through different mediums of expression.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings openly, which is crucial for emotional development and building strong relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through interactions with diverse characters, the protagonist learns to understand various perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the concept of empathy, fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect towards others' feelings and viewpoints.