How Gilbert Found His Tune
What’s inside...
A heartwarming tale of self-discovery and the importance of being true to yourself. Gilbert never felt like he fit in. One day, he meets Florence and decides he wants to be like her to stand out. Florence helps Gilbert discover what already makes him special, without having to change who he is. Join Gilbert on his journey of self-acceptance, reminding children and adults alike that our uniqueness is what makes us special and that the most beautiful thing you can be is yourself.
Age
2-7
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Gilbert felt when he was trying to find his tune?
How did the other animals help Gilbert in his journey?
Why is it important to help others like the animals helped Gilbert?
What did Gilbert learn about himself by the end of the story?
If you were an animal in the book, who would you want to be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own feelings about the scenarios Gilbert encounters. This can help them relate more personally to the story.
Discuss the importance of persistence and helping others, drawing parallels to real-life situations your child may face.
Ask your child to think about times when they have helped someone, or someone has helped them, linking these experiences to the book’s themes.
Invite your child to imagine a continuation of the story or a different ending, encouraging creative thinking and storytelling skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Gilbert the hummingbird faces challenges in finding his unique tune, but he doesn’t give up. His continuous effort and resilience lead him to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance in achieving goals, which can be applied to school tasks, learning new skills, or dealing with personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Embracing individuality
Explanation: As Gilbert discovers his own tune, he realizes that his uniqueness is what makes him special.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and embrace their own differences and those of others, promoting self-confidence and respect for diversity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of encouragement
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Gilbert is supported and encouraged by his friends and family. This positive reinforcement plays a crucial role in his success.
Real-World Application: Children understand the significance of supporting others. Encouraging peers during group activities or offering kind words can foster a supportive community environment.
Example Lesson: Exploration and curiosity
Explanation: Gilbert's adventure starts with his curiosity about the world around him, leading him to explore and eventually find his tune.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious, ask questions, and explore their surroundings, enhancing their learning experience and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Learning from failure
Explanation: Each unsuccessful attempt to find his tune teaches Gilbert something new, helping him refine his approach until he succeeds.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children see failures as learning opportunities and stepping stones to success, rather than setbacks, in academic and personal endeavors.