He collects feathers because his Mum told him they keep bad dreams away, and he believes he will dream of her if he can catch them.
The boy chases the feathers as they float from above.
Sometimes they are just out of reach. Other times, a feather will land close by.
One day when a brown feather is caught, the boy calls it his wish feather and places it under his pillow. He waits for dreams of his Mum, and feels her with him, always.
The feathers in the story are symbolic, and used as a reminder for the boy of the mother who is no longer with him.
Death, loss and grief can be a difficult subject to explain to children. Some instinctively understand, while others may need something more.
Feathers may be a helpful story for children who have a loved one who has died, and reminding them they are not alone, that memories are always with them.
There are teachers' notes and colouring pages available to download.
Title: Feathers
Author: Karen Hendriks
Illustrator: Kim Fleming
Publisher: Empowering Resources, $ 17.00
Publication Date: September 2020
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781925592214
For ages: 4+
Type: Picture Book