What clues did David and Adam use to find the treasure? How did they work together to solve the riddle?

This is a discussion prompt for Minnow on the Say by Philippa Pearce. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

Have you ever gone on an adventure or tried to solve a mystery? What was it like?

This is a discussion prompt for Minnow on the Say by Philippa Pearce. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What qualities make David and Adam good friends? How do they support each other during their quest?

This is a discussion prompt for Minnow on the Say by Philippa Pearce. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

What do you think it would be like to spend a whole summer exploring a river? What would you hope to find?

This is a discussion prompt for Minnow on the Say by Philippa Pearce. Use it to spark conversation with your child after reading.

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Minnow on the Say

Name: Minnow on the Say
ISBN: 9780140310221

by Philippa Pearce

Two boys spend a summer canoeing on the River Say, following a cryptic riddle to find a long-lost family treasure. A charming tale of mystery and friendship.

About This Book

Two English boys, David and Adam, spend the summer canoeing on the River Say and, with just an old riddle for a clue, try to find a treasure hidden along its banks by one of Adam's ancestors.

Concepts

Curiosity & Wonder Friendship & Loyalty Resilience & Perseverance Teamwork & Collaboration Joy & Gratitude Making Friends Growing Up Puzzles & Games Adventure Friendship & Social

Heads up, parents

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Wonderlit Review

Philippa Pearce's 'Minnow on the Say' is a quintessential summer adventure story, perfect for young readers who enjoy a good mystery and the great outdoors. The book follows David and Adam, two boys who spend their summer days exploring the River Say by canoe. Their leisurely adventures quickly turn into a treasure hunt when they discover an old riddle hinting at a hidden family fortune. The narrative unfolds with a gentle pace, characteristic of classic English children's literature, focusing on the boys' ingenuity, their growing friendship, and their perseverance in solving the puzzle. The emotional arc is one of sustained curiosity and hopeful discovery, with moments of mild frustration as they encounter setbacks, ultimately leading to a satisfying resolution. This book is ideal for a child who loves classic adventure tales, enjoys solving puzzles, or is drawn to stories about nature and exploration. A parent might reach for this when looking for a wholesome, engaging chapter book that encourages imagination and teamwork, perhaps as a read-aloud during summer holidays or for a child transitioning to longer independent reads. While there are no overtly sensitive topics, parents might discuss the historical context of riddles and local legends. Younger children (4-7) will enjoy the story as a read-aloud, captivated by the mystery and the river setting, while older children (8-11) will appreciate the details of the treasure hunt and the boys' detective work, finding it an immersive independent read. Its charm lies in its timeless depiction of childhood adventure and the simple joy of discovery, setting it apart from more fast-paced contemporary stories.