Clutch
#3 of 4 in The Twitchers Series
on Goodreads (256)
What’s inside...
There's a thief in Aves Wood! M.G. Leonard, internationally bestselling author of Twitch, Beetleboy and Adventures on Trains, returns with the third gripping wildlife mystery for birdwatching detectives The Twitchers! Twitch won the Sainsburys' Children's Book Award for Fiction 2021 and the Children's Book of the Year 2022 at the British Book Awards.
Discussion points
What did you think about the relationship between the characters in 'Clutch'? How did they help each other face challenges?
How do the pigeons in the story show resilience and courage? Can you think of a time when you demonstrated similar qualities?
What lessons did the main character learn about friendship and trust throughout the book?
In what ways do you think the setting of the story influenced the events? How would the story change if it was set somewhere else?
If you could ask the author one question about 'Clutch', what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters and their actions. This builds empathy and a deeper connection to the story.
Discuss the problem-solving strategies used by characters in the story. Connect these to real-life situations your child may face, reinforcing the book's lessons.
Use the book’s illustrations to engage younger children. Ask them to describe what they see and how it relates to the story, enhancing their comprehension and observational skills.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences, such as making friends or overcoming obstacles, to make the story more relevant and meaningful.
After reading, encourage your child to imagine a sequel or an alternative ending. This fosters creativity and critical thinking about the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and resilience
Explanation: In 'Clutch,' the protagonist faces various challenges that require bravery and persistence. By overcoming these obstacles, the character demonstrates the power of courage.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling difficult situations in school or during extracurricular activities with determination and a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the importance of friendships and working together is highlighted as characters support each other in times of need.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to value and nurture their friendships, understanding how cooperation and support can solve problems and enhance their daily experiences.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The characters in 'Clutch' take on responsibilities that teach them about accountability and the impact of their actions on others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be more responsible in their actions at home, in school, and in their communities, understanding that their actions have consequences.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: As the characters encounter various predicaments, they must think critically and creatively to find solutions.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital as it helps children develop critical thinking skills that they can use in academic settings and in everyday life challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book often show empathy, which helps resolve conflicts and strengthens relationships among them.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be empathetic towards others' feelings and situations, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect in their interactions.