Read Chapter 2 pages 18-23
At the end of the previous chapter, we learn that Storm Boy felt excitement and wonder for all the birds and their environment. The second chapter has an immediate change of tone when it starts with, "But sometimes Storm Boy saw things that made him sad."
When Storm Boy went walking along the beach, or over the sandhills, or in the sanctuary, the birds were not afraid. They knew that he was a friend. The pelicans sat in a row, like a lot of impatient old men with their heavy paunches sagging, and rattled their beaks drily in greeting: the moorhens fussed and chattered; the ibises cut the air into strips as they jerked their curved beaks up and down; and the blue crane stood in silent dignity like a tall, thin statue as Storm Boy went past.
- What were some of the things that Storm Boy saw that made hime sad? What was the reaction of Hide-Away and Fingerbone to the wrong-doings of the visitors to the Coorong.
- Take a close look at the language that is used by the author, Colin Thiele in the following extract:
When Storm Boy went walking along the beach, or over the sandhills, or in the sanctuary, the birds were not afraid. They knew that he was a friend. The pelicans sat in a row, like a lot of impatient old men with their heavy paunches sagging, and rattled their beaks drily in greeting: the moorhens fussed and chattered; the ibises cut the air into strips as they jerked their curved beaks up and down; and the blue crane stood in silent dignity like a tall, thin statue as Storm Boy went past.
- What do you like about Storm Boy? What does he do to show his passion for the environment and the animals?
- What do you like about the characters of Fingerbone and Hide-Away?
- Do you think that Hide-Away was being too honest when he told Storm Boy that he thought the baby pelican might die? Was he being too harsh? Do you prefer to be told the truth? Why or why not?
- Why do you think Hide-Away let Storm Boy take such responsibility with the baby pelicans? Can you think of a time when you have been allowed to take responsibility for something?How did it feel?
- What would you have named the three pelicans if they were yours? Why?