Not A Dickybird
illustrations by
What’s inside...
A thrilling tale following the adventures of young Timmy, who wakes up to find that all the birds have mysteriously disappeared from his town. Determined to solve the mystery, Timmy embarks on a journey that unveils more than just the whereabouts of the missing birds. In another story, Tom and his little sister, Polly, discover a huge, colourful parrot named Mister Macaw in their kitchen. Mister Macaw, who has swallowed an English dictionary, is desperate to return to his tropical rainforest. The trio devises a mega-wacky plan to rob a bank with a banana to pay for the parrot's airfare.
Age
8-12
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the story is trying to tell us about friendship?
How did the characters' actions make you feel during the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters in the book?
Why do you think it's important to be kind and helpful like the characters?
What would you have done differently if you were in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable reading space and encourage your child to imagine they are part of the story. Show curiosity about their thoughts and feelings on the characters and scenarios. Relate personal experiences or similar stories to deepen the connection. Always affirm their thoughts and questions to build their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Honesty
Explanation: The story showcases characters who learn the value of being truthful to themselves and others, leading to better trust and relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing honesty in their interactions at school and at home, fostering a trustworthy environment.
Example Lesson: Value of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, characters form bonds by supporting each other in difficult times, highlighting the essence of true friendship.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to nurture friendships by being considerate and supportive of their peers, which is crucial for social development.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Challenges
Explanation: Characters encounter various obstacles but learn to overcome them bravely, teaching resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to tackle their own challenges, whether in their academic or personal lives, with courage and determination.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book illustrates how characters empathize with each other's feelings and situations, promoting an understanding attitude.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to better relate to their classmates and friends, improving their emotional intelligence and social skills.