Sun and Spoon
Olive's Ocean Series
What’s inside...
A heartfelt and emotional story by the Caldecott Honor winning author, exploring the challenges of coping with loss. After the death of his grandmother, Spoon Gilmore is worried he will forget her and seeks something special to remember her by. His quest is complicated by his little sister Joanie who tags along and pesters him during their visit to their grandfather’s house, leading Spoon to make an unexpected choice.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-13
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Spoon Gilmore
Spoon'S Father
Grandpa
Discussion points
How do you think Spoon felt when he was searching for something to remember his grandmother by? What would you want to remember someone by?
What role does the sun play in this story? How does it affect the characters and the mood of the book?
Why do you think Spoon's mother and Aunt Jo have different ways of dealing with their memories? Which way do you find more comforting?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Spoon, searching for something important? How did you feel, and what helped you through it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about loss and memory by relating to Spoon’s emotional journey.
Discuss the symbolism of the sun and other elements in the story to enhance their understanding of thematic depth.
Respect their perspective and encourage them to think about different ways people handle emotions, using the characters' reactions as reference points.
Remind them that it's okay to feel sad and miss someone, and discuss healthy ways to cherish memories.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Dealing with Loss
Explanation: The story follows Spoon as he navigates the emotional journey of losing his grandmother, showcasing the natural grieving process.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it's okay to miss someone and express sadness, helping them cope with personal losses in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Memory and Keepsakes
Explanation: Spoon's search for a special item to remember his grandmother by underscores the role personal objects can play in remembering loved ones.
Real-World Application: Kids can appreciate the value of keepsakes from their own experiences and understand how they help keep memories alive.
Example Lesson: Creativity as an Outlet for Emotions
Explanation: Spoon’s imaginative quest for a memory object illustrates how creativity can be a healthy outlet for dealing with emotions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use creative expression, like drawing or storytelling, as a way to manage and communicate their feelings.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: The book highlights interactions between Spoon and his family members, demonstrating the support family can offer during tough times.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of family support and may seek to strengthen their own family connections.
Example Lesson: Patience and Perseverance
Explanation: Through Spoon's persistent search, the narrative teaches that some goals require time and perseverance to achieve.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the virtues of patience and determination in achieving personal goals, especially when facing emotional challenges.