Kites

Kites

By Author / Illustrator

Simon Mole, Oamul Lu

Genre

Adventure

Age range(s)

5+

Publisher

Frances Lincoln Publishers Ltd

ISBN

9781786035561

Format

Hardback

Reviews

Nikki

Kites is the story of a little boy named David who moved to 'Fivehills' and the first thing he noticed were the kites. It seemed like everybody who lived here had a kite, big kites, eagle kites, pig kites even golden frog kites with headlights for eyes. David knew that to fit in here he would need a kite too! Quickly, he began creating a special kite design of his own. Using what he had and with grandad's comforting words guiding his hands - 'Let's see what we've got; more often than not we'll find the answer inside' - David managed to create his very first kite! When David went to test his new kite, he met several of the children from the new town. It seemed that although David thought his kite was perfect the way it was, the other kids in town felt it needed a lot of tweaking to make it the best kind of kite. Soon David's kite didn't feel like his anymore, just like he didn't feel right anymore; in this new place, in a new home, with his favourite cars packed in a box. But David remembers what his Grandpa always said and stays true to himself, finding the courage to begin again and create a kite that feels just right for him. Kites is a beautiful story about having the courage to stay true to yourself and what you believe in and in doing this, the best kind of friendships will grow. The text is gentle, poetic and yet powerful in its ability to draw you in to this young boy's plight; feeling his sadness in his new surroundings. The illustrations are gorgeous and the perfect accompaniment for its intended age range. This story would be great to use in the classroom as a stimulus for poetry writing. Children could be encouraged to write a poem about a kite of their own, including some fantastic alliterative phrases like the ones used here by author Simon Mole. Picture book / Ages 4-7 years / Reviewed by Nikki Stiles

Suggested Reading Age 5+

 

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