The Lost Acorns (Percy the Park Keeper)
Percy The Park Keeper Series
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
Everyone's favourite, Percy the Park Keeper is now on our screens and this new title is based on a TV episode whilst still using Nick Butterworth's exquisite artwork. Winter is coming and everyone in the park is busy. Percy is planting his bulbs for Spring and the squirrel is gathering nuts to hide away for the long winter ahead. But Percy's bulb planting isn't going very well someone keeps digging them up. Could it be the mole who is to blame or is it another animal altogether? AGE 3-7
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Percy and his animal friends felt when they couldn't find the acorns?
How did Percy and his friends work together to solve their problem?
Why do you think it's important to help friends when they are in trouble?
What would you have done if you were in Percy's place?
How do you think the park changes with the seasons, like from summer to fall?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences of losing and finding items.
Discuss the value of teamwork and ask about times when your child worked with others to achieve a goal.
Talk about the different feelings of the characters and connect those emotions to real-life scenarios your child might face.
Explore the concept of problem-solving by asking your child to come up with alternative solutions to the characters' dilemma in the story.
After reading, take a walk in a local park or garden to connect the themes of nature from the book to the real world.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'The Lost Acorns', Percy and his animal friends work together to solve the mystery of the missing acorns. This cooperation demonstrates the importance of working collectively towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in their everyday interactions, such as participating in group activities at school or collaborating with siblings at home to complete a task.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Percy the Park Keeper utilizes problem-solving skills to figure out where the acorns are. This highlights the significance of thinking critically and creatively to solve problems.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset, whether it's resolving a dispute with a friend or tackling a difficult homework assignment.
Example Lesson: Caring for Nature
Explanation: Percy's dedication to taking care of the park and helping his animal friends find their lost acorns reinforces the theme of environmental stewardship and the importance of caring for our natural surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take an active role in preserving nature, such as participating in local clean-up efforts or learning more about recycling and conservation.
Example Lesson: Value of Persistence
Explanation: The characters in the story do not give up despite the setbacks they encounter while looking for the acorns. This persistence is a central theme that underscores the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist in their efforts, whether it's improving in a sport, mastering a new skill, or overcoming a personal challenge.
Example Lesson: Sharing and Generosity
Explanation: Once the acorns are found, there is a focus on sharing them equally among the animals, which emphasizes the values of generosity and fairness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can translate into everyday life by encouraging children to share their belongings, time, or snacks with others, promoting an environment of kindness and equality.