The Bird of Destiny: Horus and the Silver Raven
#2 of 2 in Legends of the Sky Series
What’s inside...
Nothing makes Horus happier than being with his family in their jungle home. But the human bulldozers are about to move in on his paradise. Not only will the destruction of all the trees leave his family homeless, the rising temperatures due to climate change are about to leave his species with no food - meaning Hummingbirds could be gone forever. With his dad missing and no bird willing to make a stand, Horus needs a miracle. So when he hears of a mystical bird called the 'Bird of Destiny' who can listen to the wind and change the future, he makes it his mission to find this extraordinary bird so they can save his species and shake up the humans so they see how climate change is killing the planet. But does the Bird of Destiny truly exist? Can Horus save Hummingbirds from extinction? And will he ever get to see his dad again?
Discussion points
Why do you think Horus, the silver raven, was called the Bird of Destiny?
What qualities does Horus have that make him a hero? Can you think of a time when you showed any of those qualities?
How did Horus' journey change him by the end of the story? How do you think facing challenges can change us?
What would you have done if you were in Horus' place during his great challenge?
How do the other characters in the book help Horus on his journey? Why is teamwork important in accomplishing big tasks?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the storyline by asking them to summarize what happened after key events.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story, relating them to everyday life situations your child might encounter.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the book’s events and their own experiences, reinforcing empathy and understanding.
Use expressive reading to make the story more engaging; change your tone, speed, and volume as suited to different scenes.
After reading, consider role-playing some scenes from the book to bring the characters and their traits to life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'The Bird of Destiny: Horus and the Silver Raven', the protagonist Horus exemplifies bravery as he faces various challenges in his quest to retrieve the stolen amulet.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their own challenges, like trying new activities or standing up for themselves, with bravery and determination.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Horus is supported by his companion, the Silver Raven. Their teamwork and mutual respect highlight the importance of having supportive friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to build and maintain supportive friendships in their own lives, teaching them the importance of cooperation and empathy.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and its rewards
Explanation: Horus is tasked with an important mission to save his village, teaching him to take responsibility seriously. His success in the quest brings peace and prosperity to his community.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take on responsibilities in their own lives, whether it’s completing homework, chores, or helping others, showing them that their actions have meaningful impacts.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through difficulties
Explanation: Horus faces many setbacks during his journey, but he never gives up. His perseverance is ultimately what leads to his success.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it’s mastering a new skill or solving a problem, reinforcing the idea that persistence pays off.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: As Horus navigates through his journey, he makes several mistakes, each teaching him valuable lessons that aid him in his quest.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand that making mistakes is a part of learning and growth, encouraging them to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn.