Mr Birdsnest and the House Next Door
What’s inside...
A tiger in the back garden! A bird-eating spider in the cupboard! Elmo and his sister love playing in the jungle house next door, that is until mean old Mr Birdsnest moves in. But when it appears that Mr Birdsnest has kidnapped the children's grandma they must sneak back in to rescue her. A delightful and cleverly written story by the Children's Laureate, Julia Donaldson.
Age
8-12
Length
1 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Elmo and George feel adventurous when they discovered the new house?
How do you think Mr. Birdsnest felt when the children visited him? Why?
What lessons can we learn about understanding and accepting people who are different from us, like Mr. Birdsnest?
What would you have done if you found a mysterious house next door? Why?
How did the children’s opinion of Mr. Birdsnest change throughout the story and what caused these changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the questions, use expressive gestures and voice modulations to make the story come alive.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the shoes of Elmo and George, asking how they would feel and react in the various scenarios described in the book.
Emphasize the importance of accepting and understanding differences among people by highlighting characters' experiences and changes in the story.
After discussing each question, ask your child to sketch or write down the most exciting or meaningful part of the book for them, to encourage creative expression and deeper engagement with the story's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: In the story, Elmo and his sister adjust to a new home and encounter unexpected adventures with their unusual neighbor, Mr. Birdsnest. Their initial apprehensions turn into excitement and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to see changes, such as moving to a new place or starting at a new school, as opportunities for new adventures and making new friends.
Example Lesson: Importance of Imagination
Explanation: The siblings refer to their new neighbor as 'Mr. Birdsnest' and his house as the 'jungle house,' using their creativity to turn an ordinary situation into an imaginative game.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination to create stories and games, enhancing their creativity and problem-solving skills in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Value of Kindness
Explanation: Despite Mr. Birdsnest's unconventional appearance and lifestyle, Elmo and his sister learn to be kind and accepting towards him.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being kind to everyone, regardless of appearances or differences, fostering empathy and social inclusiveness.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The children encounter various challenges, such as a secret tunnel and an unknown neighbor, and learn to navigate these challenges cleverly and safely.
Real-World Application: Promotes critical thinking and decision-making skills as children face their own daily challenges.