The Very Last Castle
Picture Book Read Aloud
book summary
The Very Last Castle tells the story of a curious little girl, Ibb, who watches the man who sits in the watchtower and guards the castle last castle left in her town. Every time she passes by him, she tries to catch his eye. The other people in her town are fearful of what is inside the mysterious castle. When she asks what lives behind the walls, she gets a variety of frightening theories. Her teacher believes monsters reside there, a friend says giants live in the castle, while her grandfather insists on snakes. Ibb is still curious so she is knocks on the castle door, but then gets scared and runs off. Shortly thereafter, the girl receives an invitation to visit the castle. Despite everything Ibb had heard about what might be inside the castle, she is pleased to discover a delightful garden with topiaries shaped like dragons and a garden bursting with good things to eat. Ibb is even able to convince the watch guard to share his beautiful world with the rest of the town.
suggested teaching point
The Very Last Castle is the perfect mentor text for making predictions.
After reading page 2, discuss with readers that in the middle of this small town, there is one single castle left standing. The author tells us that “no one ever came out” and “no one was allowed in”. Ask readers to make a prediction. Why do you think no one ever came out of the castle? Why do you think no one from the town ever went inside the castle?
After reading page 7, they hear “Snap, Snap, Snap” coming from inside the castle. Miss Wicks says that it is coming from monsters who live inside. Ask readers to make a prediction. What do you think the sound is?
After reading page 10, they hear “Thud, Thud, Thud” coming from the castle. Alex says that the sound is coming from giants inside the castle. Ask readers to make a prediction. What do you think the sound is?
Looking for more teaching points for this book and other similar books? Check out more Interactive Read Aloud Lessons HERE.
