The Little Island
on Goodreads (71)
What’s inside...
There was once a farm where all the animals were friends. Together they looked after the farm and each other. It wasn’t perfect and they didn’t always agree, but they liked it. One day the geese begin to gossip and hatch a plan to leave the farm, questioning if life would be perfect elsewhere. This modern-day fable, told with humor and warmth, brings a message of hope, emphasizing the importance of building bridges, not barriers, and finding friendship over fear.
Age
4-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the little island special?
How do you think the animals on the island feel about their home?
Can you think of a time when you felt like you had your own little island, even if it wasn’t a real one?
Why is it important to take care of places like the little island?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading techniques to make the story come alive. Change your tone and pace as you read about different parts of the island.
Encourage your child to imagine their own little island. Ask them to describe what it looks like and what creatures live there.
After reading, spend some time drawing the island with your child, including various elements from the book.
Relate the story to real-life situations by discussing the importance of community and taking care of our environment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes the beauty and importance of nature on the island, showcasing the interconnectedness of all living things.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and take care of the environment around them, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to solve problems and make the island a better place, illustrating the power of collective effort.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to cooperate with others in group settings such as school projects or sports teams to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: The island undergoes various seasonal changes, and the characters adapt to each scenario effectively.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to be flexible and adapt to changes in their own lives, whether it's moving to a new place, changing schools, or dealing with any new situations.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The narrative encourages exploring new places and learning more about one's surroundings, as the characters discover different parts of the island.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be curious, ask questions, and learn actively from their environment, enhancing their knowledge and experience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: The book portrays a strong sense of community among the island's inhabitants, who support and look out for each other.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the value of being part of a community and contributing positively, impacting their social interactions and relationships.