The Lost and the Found
What’s inside...
When six-year-old Laurel Logan was abducted, her younger sister Faith was the only witness. Faith's life was deeply impacted by her sister's disappearance, affecting her family and social interactions. Thirteen years later, Laurel is found in the garden of their old house, clutching a teddy bear and appearing safe. Faith is initially overjoyed by her sister's return, but a series of disturbing events causes her to feel increasingly isolated and paranoid, making her question if everything that was lost can truly be found again. Meanwhile, 'Collins Big Cat Phonics for Letters and Sounds' is a series of decodable readers designed to inspire children, fully aligned with Letters and Sounds Phases 1–6. The books feature engaging fictional and non-fictional content, with notes to support comprehension and vocabulary expansion. In one of the stories, characters Witney and Boscoe embark on an adventure to find a missing dog in Trinidad and Tobago, facing challenges along the way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-3
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you were in Faith's position, and how would you cope with her experiences?
What do you think are the main feelings Faith goes through, and why are these feelings important?
Can you think of a time when you discovered something surprising about your family or friends? How did you handle it?
Why do you think the author chose to tell the story from Faith's point of view?
What lessons can we learn about trust and forgiveness from the different characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the characters' decisions and the consequences.
Use parallels from the child's own experiences to deepen the connection with Faith’s story, helping them to empathize with her situation.
Highlight the importance of understanding and compassion in complicated situations, like those presented in the book.
Encourage your child to consider different perspectives by asking what they would do differently from the characters in specific scenarios.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In the story, as the protagonist delves into the mystery of her long-lost sister's return, readers see examples of how understanding others' feelings and situations is crucial.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to recognize and respect the emotions and experiences of their friends and family, promoting a more supportive and compassionate environment.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Family
Explanation: The book highlights the unbreakable bond and support system within a family, even through the toughest times.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and maintain their family relationships, understanding the unique support a family provides.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The characters in the book face significant challenges, yet their ability to persevere serves as a powerful model.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up despite difficulties, using their inner strength to overcome personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Seeking Truth
Explanation: The protagonist's quest for truth about her sister’s disappearance and reappearance teaches the importance of seeking truth and justice.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be curious, ask questions, and seek honest answers in all areas of life.
Example Lesson: Understanding Identity
Explanation: The story explores themes of personal and familial identity which helps in character development.
Real-World Application: This can help children in their journey of self-discovery and developing a strong sense of self.