Mel Fell
From a nest at the top of a very tall tree, plucky little bird, Mel decides that it is time to learn how to fly. Her siblings aren’t so sure about that idea, but Mel takes the plunge and begins to fall down and down and down. Mel falls past a number of expressive animals—an owl family, a group of squirrels, a hive of bees, a spider’s web, and other small creatures. All of them try to save her as she passes them by. Read to see what happens when Mel reaches the bottom of the tree!
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
Before reading, share with children that the book is a made-up (fictional) story about a real animal—a kingfisher bird. Read the story aloud with expression as children enjoy the sequence of events that happen to Mel. After reading, engage the children in learning facts about kingfishers. They have feathers that are bright blue and green. They eat minnows, sticklebacks, and large insects in the water. They can fly up to 25 miles an hour and have hard beaks that are used like a spear. They are tiny and weigh less than a pound (if possible show children an object that weighs about a pound). Show pictures of a real kingfisher bird and if possible, watch the Youtube video of a real kingfisher bird diving in the water to catch fish. Children will marvel at the bird’s bright coloring and quickness. Youtube: Common Kingfisher. Bird catching a fish. David Attenborough's opinion. - YouTube
Share with families that this book is an award-winning book. It was a Caldecott honor book and an American Libraries Association notable book. Use the opportunity to share with families what the Caldecott gold and silver medal stickers on books look like and that the award is given for best illustrations. This book’s unusual format, which requires it to be turned sideways and upside down at certain points, adds to the suspense and illustrates Mel’s descent from the tree. Children and adults will appreciate the delightful narrative and the one-of-a-kind format of the book.