Three Brothers

Consider the title of this book: The Three Brothers. What do you imagine when you hear the words “three brothers”? Do you have any brothers? Do you know any families in which there are three brothers?

Looking at the cover of the book, what do you see? What does the cover art make you think about? Do the three brothers remind you of anyone you know? What time of year do you think the story will take place in? How do you think the illustrator, Marie-Louise Gay, created these images (e.g. drawing? Oil painting? Water color?).

Compare the image on the cover of the book with that of the title page. Are these the same people? How are they different? What do you think they are doing on the title page?

What is winter like where you live? What kinds of animals do you see in winter? What are the other seasons of the year and how are they different? In general, do you think that the weather is changing or staying the same around the world? Why?

What happens in this story? What is the main problem the three brothers encounter? How do they attempt to address or resolve that problem? What kind of feeling(s) does the book end on? What is your favorite part of the story? Did you feel a sense of connection to the story or the problem the three brothers were facing? Why or why not?

The central conflict of this book is global climate change. The three brothers sense that the weather is changing, and this is why they can’t spot any wild animals where they live, except for birds. Research weather patterns in your area to see the ways global climate change is affecting the area you live in. How is this similar to or different from what the three brothers have heard about weather changes?

You may also wish to research groups, organizations or initiatives in your local area that are working to raise awareness of global climate change. Are there any ways you would like to participate in addressing climate change, such as by helping at a neighborhood cleanup day or writing to a political representative in your area?

This story takes place during a very snowy winter. Make an indoor snow day by folding sheets of white paper into triangles and cutting small shapes out of them to create unique snowflakes. Then hang the snowflakes around your favorite reading spot in your home.

https://www.firstpalette.com/craft/paper-snowflake.html

If there is snow where you live, go outside and make some of the creatures the three brothers make in the book. If there isn’t snow, draw pretend snow creatures or make them out of white pillows, blankets, towels or other white materials you can find around your home.

It may not be winter, and winter in your area may not look like it does where the three brothers live, but nature is all around you. Go for a walk in a park or on a trail with an adult and look for any signs of animals. Be careful not to disturb them or their homes, though! If you see animals you don’t recognize, look them up or ask an adult to learn more about the animals in your area. To remember your nature walk, draw a picture of your favorite memory.

One way to keep track of changes in the environment around you is by starting a naturalist journal. All you need is a blank notebook and something to write with. Every time you notice something unique about animals and their behaviour outside, write the date and your observation. For example, you may record the first day you see geese flying south in a V-formation in the fall, the first time you see birds building a nest, or the first time you see bees pollinating in the spring. You could also record the first time it freezes overnight, the first snow of the winter, or the first time you see specific flowers bloom in the spring. If you add to this journal every year, over time you will gain a better understanding of the rhythms of nature where you live — and how those rhythms might be changing.

In this story, the three brothers pay a lot of attention to the noises around them to see if they can hear animals. With an adult, go for a walk but try to use your ears more than your eyes. If possible, close your eyes while you walk — hold someone else’s hand so you don’t fall. What new sounds do you notice? What surprises you? How does this change the way you think about your surroundings?

In this story, the three brothers spend the whole day outside even though it is cold, windy and snowy. What steps do they take to make sure they won’t be too cold or hungry? Do you ever decide not to go outside because it isn’t as warm and sunny as you would like? What would you need to do to still have fun outside when it is a little cold or rainy? Make a plan to spend some time outside the next time there is bad weather (ask an adult’s permission first! Sometimes it really is not safe enough to be outside) and make a list of what you may need to wear so you are ready when that day comes. Being outside, even when the weather isn’t beautiful, is an important way to keep our minds and bodies healthy, and to honor the beauty of nature.