Maximus: King of the Sky
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Maximus, King of the Sky is the sequel to the successful book entitled Baby Owl, released in July of 2021. Baby Owl was given the name 'Maximus, King of the Sky' by his mother and is now a young adult owl. Leaving his mother's nest to strike out on his own, Maximus embarks on a journey that teaches him the value of family, helping those in need, and standing up for himself. Along the way, he meets a cast of characters who each help him realize the owl he is meant to be. Maximus, King of the Sky is a dynamic story with beautiful colors and images that all children will love!
Age
5-6
Length
26 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Maximus a good leader?
How did Maximus and his friends work together to solve problems in the story?
What would you have done if you were in Maximus's place during their adventure?
How do you think the story would change if it took place in a different setting, like a forest or underwater?
What did you learn from Maximus's journey about courage and friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by summarizing the book together, encouraging your child to express which parts they liked the most and why.
Use follow-up questions to encourage deeper thinking, such as asking why your child thinks a character acted in a certain way.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by asking if they have ever faced similar situations like Maximus and how they handled it.
Create a fun atmosphere for the discussion by using voices for different characters or perhaps re-enacting a favorite scene together.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book or create an alternative ending, discussing how their version might change the story’s message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and perseverance
Explanation: Maximus, the protagonist, faces and overcomes various challenges in his journey, showcasing his bravery and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing fears and persisting through difficulties, building resilience applicable in new or intimidating situations.
Example Lesson: Friendship and cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the story, Maximus interacts with other characters, forming alliances that help him overcome obstacles, illustrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value and cultivate relationships, highlight how working together can achieve great results, essential in group activities at school or in sports.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Maximus encounters various creatures different from himself, and learns from them, showing how diversity brings richness to our experiences.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to embrace differences in others, fostering an inclusive attitude, making them more adaptable and empathetic in diverse environments.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book presents Maximus with several problems which he solves using clever tactics and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach problems creatively and think critically, skills that are invaluable in academic settings and everyday life.