Published by Julian Publishing. Gideon & Milo storybooks are written by Lester C. Lacey.
Reading Together
To talk about courage after The Great Shadow, ask what seems unfamiliar, what the reader wants to know and who could help them find out. Keep the discussion close to the pictures. This Gideon & Milo story by Lester C. Lacey follows a boy and his Yorkshire terrier companion.
At a glance: Use the story as a starting point for three questions: What seemed unfamiliar? What would you want to know? Who could help you find out? Keep the conversation about the characters unless a child chooses to share more.
Keep the conversation close to the story
Begin with a page or picture the child chooses. Ask what seems familiar and what raises a question. A child does not have to tell a personal story about being afraid; the characters and pictures offer enough to discuss.
Three questions to try
Notice: “What seems unfamiliar here?” Wonder: “What would you want to find out?” Ask: “Who could help you learn more?” Use one question at a time. There is room for more than one answer.
Draw a question
Fold a sheet of paper in half. On one side, draw something imagined or unfamiliar. On the other, draw or write a question about it. An adult can write down a child’s words. This is a conversation activity, not a test of courage.
Return to a chosen page
Invite a reread of the page that prompted the conversation. Ask whether anyone notices something different this time. Find more ways to begin in the read-aloud guide.
Topics: The Great Shadow · Courage & Curiosity
Try one question before all three
Point to a detail your reader chooses and say, “I wonder what we could ask about that.” Wait for a response before adding another prompt. If there is no answer, offer your own observation and keep reading. There is no need to turn a quiet pause into a quiz.
Should children share something that frightens them?
Only if they want to. Imagining what a character might notice gives the conversation a clear focus without asking children to disclose a personal experience.
Is this a lesson or a wellbeing treatment?
It is a reading conversation. The questions invite curiosity about the story; they do not assess a child or promise to reduce fear or anxiety.