Pistes d'exploration

Prior to reading, use the title to predict what the story is going to be about. Were your predictions accurate?

Before starting the book, hide the page that says “and hurled it up the tree.” Predict what the boy will do with the mini-saw. Were your predictions accurate? How did the illustrations influence your thinking?

Write an alternate ending to the story. Imagine how all the people, items and animals got down.

Discuss the meaning of the word stuck. Why is that word tangled in a tree? What do you think the story will be about?

Identify all the objects that get stuck in the tree. How could you sort these objects into categories?

Add a new page to the story. What other object would you add to the tree?

Write a sequel to the story. 

Mots-clés

Humour , Picture book , cumulative stories , frustration , kites , problem-solving , trees

Commentaire descriptif

This is the rollicking tale of a boy who gets his kite stuck in a tree. Young Floyd can’t pull it loose, so he throws up his shoe to knock it free. Children will relate to Floyd’s frustration; they’ll love his persistence. He follows with his other shoe: “and, UNBELIEVABLY, that got stuck as well.” The deadpan humour of the language suits Floyd’s escalating attacks, while offering readers surprises along the way: “Floyd fetched a ladder. He was going to sort this out once and FOR ALL … and up he threw it.” Quirky, painted illustrations convey surreal scenes with aplomb. Hand-lettered type adds expression. In one image, tiny stick-legged Floyd gazes on the tree—now bristling with a door, a milkman, an orangutan, an ocean liner and much more. In another, the idea-light bulb that pops over his head is also thrown up the tree. Kids will relish the amoral hilarity when Floyd finally dislodges his toy (there’s no room left in the tree): “He had forgotten all about his kite and put it to use immediately, enjoying the rest of his day very much.” Readers of all ages will enjoy this brilliant story.