Stars With Flaming Tails
What’s inside...
WINNER OF THE CLIPPA CHILDREN'S POETRY PRIZE 2022. This poetry collection explores a whimsical journey around the world through vivid imagery and playful language. It features a variety of themes including friendship, family, and nature, and introduces whimsical characters and thought-provoking adventures. With poems that are designed to make the reader laugh, think, and be filled with wonder, this collection is a collaborative effort by an internationally renowned poet and illustrator, creating a captivating reading experience.
Age
7-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think each poem in 'Stars With Flaming Tails' was about? Can you describe how it made you feel?
Why do you think the author chose stars and tails in the title? What significance do stars have in the stories?
If you could write a poem inspired by one of the stories in the book, what would it be about?
Which poem was your favorite and why? Did any part of it remind you of something in your own life?
How do you think the characters in the poems solve their problems? Can you think of different ways they could have handled their situations?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about each poem, linking personal experiences to the themes in the book.
Discuss the imagery and language used in the book. Ask your child how the author’s choice of words helps to paint a picture or invoke emotion.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free environment to facilitate deep discussions and reflections on the book’s content.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s thoughts and opinions, which can help solidify their comprehension and empathy skills.
Finish your reading session with a creative twist, such as drawing a scene from one of the poems or writing a short poem together inspired by the themes discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: Through its varied cast of characters, 'Stars with Flaming Tails' promotes the beauty of diversity and the importance of accepting differences.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace the differences in the people around them, fostering a more inclusive environment at school or in playgroups.
Example Lesson: The Power of Curiosity
Explanation: The book highlights the adventures triggered by the characters' curiosity, teaching children the value of asking questions and exploring the world around them.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be inquisitive, which can lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of their surroundings, enhancing their learning and development.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book often face challenges, demonstrating resilience and the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay determined and resilient in the face of their own challenges, whether it's solving a difficult puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters achieve more when they work together, showcasing the benefits of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of teamwork in group activities at school or in sports, encouraging better cooperation and communication.
Example Lesson: Joy of Creative Expression
Explanation: The poetic nature of the book encourages children to appreciate and engage in creative expression through language.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore their own creative abilities, perhaps in writing, drawing, or storytelling, enriching their cognitive and emotional skills.