Swoop and Soar: How Science Rescued Two Osprey Orphans and Found Them a New Family in the Wild
on Goodreads (18)
What’s inside...
Swoop and Soar are baby osprey chicks who become orphans when their nest is destroyed by a storm. Raptor biologist Janie Veltkamp rescues them and sets out to find a new family for the chicks. She finds a nest with wild osprey parents who have also lost chicks, and places Swoop and Soar in it. The story follows the suspenseful wait to see if the new osprey parents will accept the chicks as their own. The book, which won the 2023 De Bary Children's Science Book Award, beautifully narrates the true story of survival, rescue, and the creation of a new family in the wild.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-13
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the scientists decide to help the osprey orphans? How did you feel about it?
How do you think the ospreys felt when they were rescued? Can you imagine what it would be like to be in their situation?
What did you learn about ospreys and their habitat from this story?
Why is it important to help animals like the ospreys? What can we do to help?
How did the story end? What do you think will happen to the ospreys next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief introduction about ospreys and why they might need rescuing. This sets a contextual background for the child.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask predictive questions, like 'What do you think will happen next?' This keeps the child engaged and thinking critically.
Relate the story to the child’s own experiences, such as times when they needed help or felt lost, to deepen their emotional connection to the narrative.
Encourage empathy by discussing the feelings of the ospreys and the humans in the story, asking questions like 'How would you feel if you were there?'
After finishing the book, engage in a creative activity like drawing a picture of what the child thinks the ospreys’ new family looks like in the wild.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and caring for others
Explanation: The story portrays wildlife rescuers taking care of orphaned ospreys, demonstrating kindness and empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with other living beings and the importance of caring for those in need, whether they are animals or people.
Example Lesson: Importance of environmental conservation
Explanation: The book highlights the role of science in saving endangered species and reintroducing them into the wild.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be aware of and involved in environmental protection initiatives, promoting a healthier planet.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Rehabilitating and reintegrating the ospreys required efforts from multiple people with diverse skills.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of working together to achieve common goals, applicable in school projects and community activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptation
Explanation: The ospreys overcome challenges and adapt to a new life, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of adapting to changes and overcoming obstacles they encounter in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Scientific curiosity and learning
Explanation: The narrative includes aspects of how science and research contribute to wildlife rescue efforts.
Real-World Application: Fosters a curiosity about science among children, encouraging them to explore and learn about the natural world and its inhabitants.