A Home for Bird



Last updated Sunday, January 26, 2014

Author: Philip C. Stead
Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN: 1596437111
Grade Level: 1st    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2014

Synopsis: While out foraging for interesting things, Vernon the toad finds a new friend - a small blue bird who is curiously silent. Vernon shows Bird the river and the forest and some of his other favorite things, but Bird says nothing. Vernon introduces Bird to his friends, Skunk and Porcupine, but Bird still says nothing. "Bird is shy," says Vernon, "but also a very good listener." Vernon worries that Bird is silent because he misses his home, so the two set off on a journey to help find a home for Bird.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What animals are on the front cover? The back cover?
•  What are the animals doing on the front cover?

Vocabulary:
•  foraging - to make a search especially for food
•  determined - to have a strong influence on
•  cheerful - pleasantly bright; happy

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Why doesn't Bird talk?
•  What does Vernon use to make a boat? An oar?
•  What places does Vernon find for Bird to live?
•  What is the perfect home for Bird? (cuckoo clock)
•  Who else helped Vernon & Bird on their journey?
•  How does Vernon help Bird? Can you think of a way to help others?

Craft ideas:
•  Draw a perfect home for Bird.
•  Make a cut-out cuckoo clock. Draw the face of the clock & cut a door to open.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!