Ukko
What’s inside...
Ukko, an 875-year-old wizard, has a deep need for adventure, so when he finds himself in the Shangri-La Home for Bewildered Old Gentlefolk, he plans his escape, takes a job as a school caretaker, and Park Hill Primary is never quite the same again.
Age
8-12
Length
120 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Ukko felt when he started his adventure?
How do you think helping others made Ukko feel?
If you were Ukko, what would you have done differently on your journey?
Why do you think friendship is important in Ukko's story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into their understanding. Relate the themes of the book to your child’s own experiences to make the conversation more personal and engaging. Praise your child's responses to build their confidence in expressing their ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through the protagonist's journey, children learn the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply empathy by recognizing emotions in their peers and offering support during emotional times.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The main character faces various challenges but learns to overcome them with perseverance.
Real-World Application: Kids can mirror this resilience by not giving up easily when faced with difficulties in school or in their personal lives.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters must work together to solve problems, teaching the value of collaborative efforts.
Real-World Application: Children can implement teamwork in group projects at school or in team sports, learning to value each team member’s contributions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist is tasked with an important responsibility, showing the significance of being dependable and making wise choices.
Real-World Application: This lesson translates to a child’s life through taking care of their belongings, completing homework on time, and being accountable for their actions.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The narrative encourages a sense of wonder and exploration, as the main character embarks on a quest filled with unknowns.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to explore the world around them, ask questions, and seek out new experiences and knowledge.