Nicola Davies
Tiny Owl
Age 7-9 years
A young rhino lives in a zoo in a bleak grey city. He remembers a happier time with his mama before she was killed, and he was captured. He fears he is the last rhino alongside other creatures facing the same fate. But he has one frequent visitor, a young girl who when she grows up decides to do take action to help.
Last is based on the real-life story of a white rhino named Sudan. It highlights the plight of rhinos and includes a hopeful, positive message that things can change if people take action. Here is the author’s message at the beginning of the book:
‘I believe the world can change for the better, but it will change one heart at a time. Change your heart, change the world.’
Share the story
Before sharing the story look at the cover together and think about what the story might be about, what the title might mean and what your child already knows about rhinos.
Read the story aloud, pausing to talk about what is happening in the story or illustrations.
After finishing the story, there is information about the real Sudan to read at the back of the book.
Talk about the book
-
When you have finished look back through the book and notice the girl, imagine what she is thinking and feeling in the early pictures and what she might be doing in the later pictures.
-
Talk about how the rhino might feel at different points in the story.
-
Talk about anything puzzling, for example your child might wonder what happens to the rhino’s mother and you might want to pause to talk about rhinos being hunted for their tusks, see links below to find out more.
Follow us on Facebook
Follow @lovemybooksUK
Follow lovemybooksUK15