How did Kaito feel when her butterflies died? Have you ever felt sad when something you loved was gone?

This is a discussion prompt for Kaito's Cloth by Glenda Millard. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What did the Lord of Flight mean when he said "flight itself will last forever"?

This is a discussion prompt for Kaito's Cloth by Glenda Millard. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

How did Kaito find a way to experience flight even in winter? What are some ways you use your imagination?

This is a discussion prompt for Kaito's Cloth by Glenda Millard. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What does this story teach us about things coming to an end and new beginnings?

This is a discussion prompt for Kaito's Cloth by Glenda Millard. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Kaito's Cloth

Name: Kaito's Cloth
ISBN: 9781865048451

by Glenda Millard

After her butterflies die, Kaito learns that the spirit of flight is eternal. She finds a creative way to capture its magic even in the cold of winter.

About This Book

Winter is drawing near and Kaito's butterflies have died. She weeps, but the Lord of Flight explains that although butterflies must come and go, flight itself will last forever. So Kaito finds a way to experience the magic of flight, even in the middle of winter. Suggested level: junior.

Concepts

Sadness & Grief Resilience & Perseverance Joy & Gratitude Curiosity & Wonder Creativity & Imagination Love & Family Death of a Loved One Growing Up Bugs & Insects Nature & Outdoors Weather & Seasons

Heads up, parents

sadness_grief

Wonderlit Review

Kaito's Cloth is a tender and thoughtful early chapter book that addresses the difficult topic of loss through the gentle metaphor of dying butterflies. When winter arrives and Kaito's cherished butterflies pass away, she experiences profound sadness. A mystical figure, the Lord of Flight, appears to offer a comforting perspective, explaining that while individual lives are finite, the essence or spirit of things, like flight, endures. This wisdom empowers Kaito to find an imaginative and personal way to experience the magic of flight, even in the depths of winter. The book handles the sensitive topic of death in a metaphorical and comforting manner, focusing on emotional processing and resilience rather than the stark finality of loss. The presence of the Lord of Flight introduces a spiritual or fable-like element that provides solace and a broader understanding of life cycles. The emotional arc begins with palpable grief, transitions into contemplation and understanding, and culminates in a hopeful, imaginative resolution. This book is particularly well-suited for children aged 4-8 who are encountering their first experiences with loss, whether it's a pet, a natural element, or a significant change. It's an excellent resource for parents seeking a gentle way to discuss death, sadness, and the importance of finding joy and connection after a difficult event. Parents should be prepared to discuss the metaphorical nature of the 'Lord of Flight' and the concept of enduring spirit. Younger children will connect with Kaito's sadness and her eventual joy, while older children may engage more deeply with the philosophical message. Its unique approach, blending realistic emotion with a touch of magical realism, sets it apart from more direct grief narratives, offering a comforting and imaginative pathway through sadness.