The Flute
What’s inside...
This is the flute. It sounds like yellow. Easy and mellow... Come along and sing with The Flute in Tiny Owls new Children, Music, Life series, created by the award-winning picture book author and artist Ken Wilson-Max. This series explores different musical instruments from around the world and how they make you feel and move! Music is great for the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of babies as well as strengthening cognitive and sensory development. So hear the whisper of the flute, dance like a butterfly and enjoy making music with your baby!
Age
4-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you like best about the way the flute was played in the story?
How do you think the flute made the main character feel?
Can you imagine a different ending for the story? What would it be?
Why do you think the flute was important in the story?
How would you feel if you received a flute like the one in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their feelings about the music and the flute in the story, relating it to any musical experiences they might have had.
Ask your child to draw their own flute or another musical instrument and describe how it would sound.
Discuss the emotions and themes in the story, helping your child connect them to real-life situations or feelings they've experienced.
If possible, listen to flute music together after reading the book to reinforce the auditory element of the story and deepen the reading experience.
Create a little storytelling session where your child can use their imagination to add new layers or characters to the book, enhancing their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: In the story, the protagonist learns to share his flute with his friends, which ultimately leads to a harmonious music session.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share their toys and belongings with peers, fostering a sense of generosity and cooperation.
Example Lesson: The joy of music
Explanation: The book highlights how playing the flute brings happiness not just to the player, but also to those around him.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and appreciate music, possibly sparking an interest in learning to play a musical instrument themselves.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: The protagonist initially struggles to play the flute well, but through perseverance, he improves significantly.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of persistence and practice in mastering any new skill or hobby.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: By the end of the book, all friends play music together, showing how teamwork can create something beautiful, like a symphony.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working together and how collaboration can lead to successful outcomes.