Orla and Midnight Wing
illustrations by
What’s inside...
'Orla and Midnight Wing' by Kelby Twyman is an enchanting story that follows Orla, a courageous young girl, and her mystical bird, Midnight Wing, as they embark on an adventure through magical forests. Ideal for children aged 8-12, the book fosters imagination while teaching valuable lessons about loyalty, courage, friendship, problem-solving, and perseverance. In a moment of distress, Orla encounters a wizard named Burt and asks to be turned into a magical unicorn, setting the stage for a tale of magical transformation and personal growth. The book effectively intertwines entertainment with educational development, featuring phonemes to aid in reading skills.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Orla's friendship with Midnight Wing special?
How would you feel if you were in Orla's shoes during her adventure?
What are some ways Orla shows courage throughout the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped a friend like Orla helps Midnight Wing?
If you could ask Orla one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, emphasizing that all opinions are valid.
Discuss the emotions experienced by the characters, relating them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Praise your child's responses to foster confidence in expressing their interpretations of the story.
Use parallels from the book to teach empathy and the importance of helping others.
Create a cozy and focused reading environment to minimize distractions and enhance concentration during discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: Orla learns to overcome her fears by embarking on an adventurous quest with Midnight Wing. Throughout the story, she faces and overcomes various obstacles which teach her the importance of being brave.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it's trying something new or standing up for themselves or others in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Friendship and loyalty
Explanation: The central relationship between Orla and her magical friend, Midnight Wing, highlights the value of trust and support between friends. Their bond deepens as they rely on each other in their journey.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of building and maintaining trusting relationships with their peers, showing loyalty in friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As Orla encounters challenges along her quest, she must think quickly and devise solutions to move forward. This showcases her ability to adapt and think critically.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills in their daily interactions and challenges, learning to think critically and creatively to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, Orla faces many setbacks but she never gives up. Her perseverance in spite of difficulties is a central theme.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to keep trying and working hard, even when tasks or situations become difficult, emphasizing the importance of resilience.