featherlight
illustrations by
on Goodreads (183)
What’s inside...
When the lighthouse no longer shines, what else has the power to guide you to shore? Deryn's father is the lighthouse keeper on Featherstone Island, keeping the lantern lit to protect passing boats from the treacherous rocky coastline. But when an emergency arises and her parents must leave the island, Deryn is left to keep the light burning. Amidst her newfound responsibility, an unusual guest arrives at the lighthouse—a mysterious figure with a story to tell and secrets to share. As the days pass, Deryn discovers there’s more to her visitor and the lighthouse itself than meets the eye. With the light of the lighthouse dimmed by unforeseen circumstances, Deryn must find other ways to navigate and protect the coast, while also unraveling the mysterious history hidden within the lighthouse walls. This stunning new adventure from the award-winning author of the Cogheart series brings light to the life of the lighthouse keeper’s daughter as she faces challenges and learns valuable lessons about trust, responsibility, and the power of light in the darkness.
Age
9-12
Length
98 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you like most about the magical journey of the feather in the book?
How do you think the feather felt when it traveled through different places?
What does the feather learn about the world around it, and what have you learned from it?
If you were the feather, where would you like to travel and why?
How can we be kind and helpful to the creatures and people we meet, just like the feather?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own magical feather journey, perhaps drawing or writing a short story about it. This will extend the themes of the book into creative expression. After reading, ask them to describe their favorite part and relate it to their own experiences or dreams. Facilitate a mini 'travel plan' activity where your child can map out destinations where they would like their feather to go, enhancing their understanding of geography and different cultures presented in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of kindness
Explanation: In 'Featherlight,' the protagonist demonstrates kindness through their interactions with various characters, showing compassion and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being considerate and showing empathy to their peers, promoting a supportive and friendly environment in school or at play.
Example Lesson: The importance of responsibility
Explanation: The main character in 'Featherlight' takes on tasks that require a sense of duty and accountability, reflecting the growth that comes with responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be mirrored in a child's life by encouraging them to take on small, age-appropriate responsibilities at home, such as tidying up toys or helping set the table.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist faces various fears but learns to overcome them, illustrating the value of courage and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of their class, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: The joy of adventure
Explanation: The book takes young readers on a magical journey, promoting the excitement and educational value of exploring new things.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be curious and adventurous in their own lives, perhaps by exploring new hobbies, reading different kinds of books, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Respecting differences
Explanation: Characters in 'Featherlight' come from diverse backgrounds and have different perspectives, teaching the importance of acceptance and diversity.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by embracing classmates from various cultures and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity.