The Kite & Caitlin
What’s inside...
Words and pictures are combined to tackle a very sensitive subject, the death of a child. A kite comes to belong to Caitlin who is seriously ill. She dreams of the day she will get better and fly the kite. This does not happen but her final journey leads them to a place without pain and suffering.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Caitlin felt when she first tried to fly her kite?
What do you think the kite symbolizes in the story?
Why do you think Caitlin chooses to fly a kite?
How does the story's setting influence Caitlin's adventure?
What would you have done differently if you were in Caitlin's place?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions Caitlin might be feeling during her kite-flying adventure.
Pause after key events in the story to ask your child what they think will happen next, encouraging them to engage with the plot.
Relate the story to your child's personal experiences, such as a time they tried something new or faced a challenge.
Discuss the illustrations in the book, asking your child how they think the images relate to the story and what emotions they convey.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw their version of a kite or another important symbol from the story to deepen their understanding and connection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'The Kite & Caitlin', the story revolves around Caitlin and her adventures with her kite, emphasizing how they support and enjoy their time together.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships, understanding that companionship can bring joy and comfort in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience and problem solving
Explanation: Caitlin faces various challenges with her kite, from untangling it to navigating through the wind, teaching her to think critically and persist in solving problems.
Real-World Application: This lesson equips children with the mindset to face their own challenges, whether in school or in personal interactions, fostering a resilient and proactive attitude.
Example Lesson: Joy in simple pleasures
Explanation: The book highlights the joy Caitlin experiences in flying a kite, a simple and traditional play activity, encouraging appreciation for less materialistic forms of entertainment.
Real-World Application: It prompts children to find happiness in simple, everyday activities—be it playing outside, crafting, or reading—reducing dependency on electronic gadgets for entertainment.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: As Caitlin imagines the kite taking her to various magical places, the story nurtures the theme of creativity and the boundless nature of a child's imagination.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination more actively, enhancing their creative thinking which can be applied in creative writing, arts, and even problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Caring for belongings
Explanation: The story shows Caitlin taking care of her kite, repairing it when needed, which represents a broader message of responsibility towards one's possessions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of caring for their toys and other belongings, fostering a sense of responsibility and respect for their and others' possessions.