Where is Uncle Al?
What’s inside...
Six-year-old Lily's uncle dies before she is born, but she is curious about him and wants to get to know him. She starts asking each of her family members 'Where is Uncle Al?', seeking to understand more about death and life. 'Where is Uncle Al?' is a picture book designed to start conversations about death and share various beliefs about life. It is described as a children's grief book that focuses on 'hope' rather than 'darkness'. The book is inclusive and contemplative, suitable for people of all faiths and none, and aims to help children who are grieving, have parents who are grieving, or have questions about death that are difficult to answer.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think happened to Uncle Al?
How do the characters in the book feel when Uncle Al is missing?
What would you do if you were one of the characters trying to find Uncle Al?
Can you think of a time when you were looking for something important? How did you feel?
What do you think is the most important clue in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, reinforcing that all opinions are valued.
Use empathetic listening, showing genuine interest in what your child thinks happened to Uncle Al.
Discuss the clues provided in the story and ask your child how they would use those clues if they were in the characters' shoes.
Relate the book's theme to a real-life situation involving your child to deepen their understanding and connection to the story.
Highlight the importance of teamwork and asking for help, as depicted in the book, and relate it to everyday activities.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding of family dynamics
Explanation: The search for Uncle Al throughout the book provides a gentle exploration of family relationships and their complexities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of maintaining connections with family members and the value of understanding different family roles.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As the protagonist navigates various scenarios to find Uncle Al, readers see firsthand how problem-solving is applied in a narrative context.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to apply similar problem-solving skills when they face challenges in their own lives, fostering a sense of independence and confidence.
Example Lesson: Importance of perseverance
Explanation: Despite challenges, the protagonist continues the search for Uncle Al, demonstrating determination and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persisting through difficulties to achieve a goal, a crucial skill both academically and personally.
Example Lesson: Emotional intelligence
Explanation: The protagonist’s interactions with different characters while searching for Uncle Al highlight the importance of understanding and managing emotions.
Real-World Application: This can help children in managing their own emotions and in building better relationships with others around them.