Kip Campbell's Gift (Funeral Director's Son)
#2 in Funeral Director'S Son Series
on Goodreads (42)
What’s inside...
Still able to hear the voices of dead people who want him to help them with unresolved problems, Kip Campbell struggles with conflicting feelings about his unique ability and the burdens it places on him in his daily life. Kip Campbell is still living in the town of Clover, still working in his family’s funeral home, and yes, still speaking to the dead. Those souls who have passed on but aren’t yet able to go to 'the good' because something in their life was never resolved ask Kip for his help. As if these two jobs weren’t enough, Kip also has to deal with girls and bullies. Now Kip is fed up and wants to quit talking to the dead, but can someone quit a job they never applied for?
Discussion points
How do you think Kip felt when he discovered his special gift?
What would you do if you were in Kip's shoes and found out you had a similar ability?
Why do you think understanding people's feelings, like Kip does, is important?
How did Kip change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What did Kip learn about friendship and responsibility throughout the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, relating it to their personal experiences. Ask them to imagine themselves in Kip's situations to foster empathy. Highlight the importance of understanding and caring for others' feelings as demonstrated by Kip. Discuss the moral lessons and character development in the story to reinforce these values at home.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Kip Campbell learns to empathize with the feelings and situations of others through his unique gift that allows him to hear the last wishes of the dead.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and respect the feelings of others, fostering better relationships and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Kip demonstrates responsibility by honoring the final wishes of the deceased, showing that he takes his special gift seriously.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of fulfilling duties and commitments, whether big or small, in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: Throughout the series, Kip learns to accept his unusual gift, which initially makes him feel different and isolated.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace what makes them unique and to respect differences in others, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Kip often faces fear and uncertainty, especially when dealing with the supernatural element of his gift, but learns to manage his fears.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of facing fears and the value of courage in overcoming challenging situations.
Example Lesson: The value of compassion
Explanation: By helping spirits find peace, Kip shows deep compassion and caring for others, even after they have passed.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to show compassion in their interactions and understand the impact of kindness.