Wings of Icarus: A Bloomsbury Reader
#1 of 89 in Yellow umbrella books for early readers. Series
What’s inside...
A gripping retelling of the classic Greek myth by bestselling author Jenny Oldfield. Daedalus can see how much his impulsive, restless son Icarus longs to escape their island prison. When his cunning plan to get them across the sea fails, Daedalus comes up with an even more dangerous invention to help them break free. Book Band: Brown, ideal for ages 7+
Discussion points
How do you think Icarus felt when he flew close to the sun? What would you have done in his place?
What do you think the story of Icarus teaches us about ambition and limitations?
If you had wings like Icarus, where would you fly and why?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world?
What is the most important lesson Icarus learned, and how can you apply it in your own life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on Icarus' journey to engage and open up a fruitful dialogue.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the story and their personal experiences or ambitions, fostering deeper understanding.
Use expressive questions to help your child analyze Icarus' decisions and their consequences, enhancing critical thinking.
Discuss the historical and mythological aspects of the story to expand the conversation beyond the book.
Praise your child’s responses to boost their confidence and encourage them to explore more complex ideas within the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The story of Icarus highlights the importance of listening to advice and understanding the consequences of not following it.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider the outcomes of their actions and the importance of listening to guidance from parents and teachers.
Example Lesson: Ambition with caution
Explanation: Icarus' desire to fly is admirable but serves as a cautionary tale about overreaching without heed to warnings.
Real-World Application: This story can help children balance their ambitions with caution, teaching them to pursue their dreams while also being aware of risks and boundaries.
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: The construction of wings by Daedalus showcases human creativity and ingenuity.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative thinking and innovation, promoting problem-solving skills through imaginative play or tasks.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The tale serves as a reminder that everyone makes mistakes, and it's important to learn from them rather than repeat them.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of learning from their own errors and the errors of others to avoid future pitfalls.
Example Lesson: The value of patience
Explanation: The story conveys how impatience can lead to disastrous outcomes, as seen with Icarus not heeding his father's warnings to be patient.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of patience in achieving goals and the dangers of rushing into actions without careful thought.