The Pirate's Parrot
What’s inside...
Poor Captain Cur! Hard-pressed to help their grouchy captain, his crew scrambles to find a replacement bird and eyepiece. But the substitute 'parrot' they come up with is a teddy bear. Thank goodness Captain Cur's eyesight is so bad. Filling in for Captain Cur's dead parrot, Barr the teddy bear proves herself to be a brave and useful companion to the pirate, in a first picture book that shows that appearances aren't everything.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the pirate learned from his adventures with the parrot?
If you had a parrot like the one in the story, what adventures would you go on together?
How do the pirate and the parrot show teamwork in the story?
What would you have done differently if you were the pirate?
How did the pirate's feelings towards the parrot change throughout the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion with your child by discussing the general plot and characters to ensure comprehension.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and consider what decisions they would make in the pirate’s position.
Ask your child to think about the concept of friendship as portrayed in the book, and relate it to their personal experiences.
While discussing the questions, ask your child why they think a particular event happened and what could have been done differently.
Use expressive reading to make the story more engaging and maintain your child’s interest in the conversational topics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story demonstrates empathy through the interaction between the pirate and his parrot, showing how understanding and caring for others' feelings is important.
Real-World Application: Children learn to recognize and respond to the feelings of others, fostering kinder interactions at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: As challenges arise on their adventure, the pirate and the parrot work together to find solutions, illustrating the value of teamwork and thinking creatively.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to approach obstacles with a positive attitude and collaborate with peers to overcome difficulties.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The pirate takes care of his parrot, showcasing the importance of being responsible for someone else.
Real-World Application: Children understand the significance of fulfilling duties and caring for pets or helping out with chores at home.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the pirate and his parrot face many setbacks but they push through, teaching children the importance of persevering despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to stay determined and resilient in their personal endeavours and academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The parrot's inquisitive nature leads to discovery and learning, highlighting how curiosity can lead to important insights and knowledge.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions and explore their world, enhancing their educational experiences and understanding.