Tail-End Charlie
on Goodreads (32)
What’s inside...
As a boy, Mick Manning listened to his father's tales about life as an RAF airgunner during World War II. Now, he has carefully recreated and illustrated these stories in collaboration with Brita. It offers a look into the realities of war, including food rationing, RAF training, flying in a bomber, facing enemy fighters, and surviving the Battle of the Bulge. The book is meant for Charlie’s grandchildren and everyone interested in understanding the personal experiences of war.
Discussion points
How do you think Charlie felt being the youngest in his family during the war?
What are some ways Charlie and his family helped during the war effort?
Why is it important to work together and support each other during tough times?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Charlie?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate the theme of bravery to personal experiences that your child might have encountered.
Encourage your child to think about teamwork by asking them about times they've worked with others to achieve a common goal.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to highlight dramatic moments in the story, making the narrative more engaging.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book that particularly moved them, discussing the emotions and themes expressed in their artwork.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The book recounts the story of a rear gunner in World War II, exploring themes of courage in the face of danger.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with bravery, whether it be standing up to a bully or trying something new.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The crew members in the story depend on each other to fulfill their roles, highlighting the importance of cooperation and trust in a team.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or sports teams, appreciating each team member's contribution.
Example Lesson: History and Awareness
Explanation: The book provides historical context about World War II, giving children a glimpse into past events that shaped the world.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take an interest in history and understand the significance of past events in shaping present circumstances.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Characters in the story show resilience in overcoming difficulties and coping with the fear and stress of war.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children develop resilience in facing their own struggles and setbacks, learning to recover and persevere.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The emotional experiences of the characters, particularly during challenging times, help convey messages of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with others' feelings and situations, fostering a more compassionate approach to interactions with peers.