Unflappable
on Goodreads (168)
What’s inside...
A witty and uplifting story about perseverance and hope, perfect for fans of The Magical Yet, starring three endearing flightless birds determined to get aloft. Three flightless friends long to feel the wind beneath their wings. So, they try, and try, and try to fly. But all they do is fall, fall, fall. Flying, it turns out, is hard. Will they give up—or get up? Celebrating resiliency, persistence, and the power of 'yet,' easy-to-read text and distinctive artwork by award-winning and bestselling illustrator Scott Magoon encourage and inspire readers young and old who aspire to learn a new skill or to make a dream come true.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the main character unflappable? Can you think of a time when you felt the same way?
How do the challenges in the story help the characters grow? Have you faced a challenge that helped you learn something new?
What are some ways the characters in the book show kindness to one another? How do you show kindness to your friends and family?
If you could change one part of the story, what would it be and why?
How do you think the story would continue after the book ends? What adventures do you imagine for the characters?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, altering your tone and pace to match the narrative.
Pause after poignant moments or conflicts in the story to ask your child how they feel or what they think might happen next.
Encourage your child to relate the experiences of the characters to their own life, drawing parallels that enhance empathy and understanding.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or continuations of the story to foster creativity and critical thinking.
Create a warm and inviting reading environment, free from distractions, to make reading a focused and enjoyable time.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The protagonist faces numerous challenges but consistently finds innovative ways to overcome them, demonstrating the power of resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through difficulties in school or in social situations, understanding that setbacks can be overcome with determination.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters show a deep understanding and consideration for each other’s feelings, teaching the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: This can help children relate better to their peers, promoting a more inclusive and supportive environment at school and at home.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The book showcases characters solving problems using creative solutions which encourages out-of-the-box thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can apply creative thinking to their playtime activities or academic projects, enhancing their ability to think independently and innovatively.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The characters often collaborate to achieve common goals, highlighting the effectiveness of working in a team.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school, teaching children the importance of cooperating and valuing each other’s input.
Example Lesson: The importance of Humor
Explanation: Humor is used as a coping mechanism by characters during tough times, showing its value in lifting spirits and strengthening bonds.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use humor to relieve stress and create joyful interactions with family and friends.