Mel Fell
MEL FELL
Corey Tabor, Balzer + Bray/Harper Collins, 2021
Worrying her siblings, a bold fledgling kingfisher takes her first front flip-and-dive from the nest. Wide-eyed owls, acrobatic squirrels, cheerleading insects, a spider, and a fearless slug try to intervene or watch on with anxiety. Readers turn the book sideways and upside down as we follow Mel’s confident journey catching a surprised fish then rejoining the family to celebrate.
Discussion questions
You read this story in an unusual way by turning the book sideways and upside down. Why do you think the author designed it in this unique way?
When have you felt nervous about trying something for the first time? Who encouraged you?
An onomatopoeia is a word that sounds like the noise it describes (ex: zap, gargle, boing). Where can you find examples of onomatopoeia in this story?
Vocabulary
fond: loving and affectionate
Huzzah!: an exclamation of joy: Hooray!
Video content
Corey Tabor reading aloud: https://video.link/w/tD5wd
Kingfisher diving for fish: https://video.link/w/9E5wd
Make an origami kingfisher: https://video.link/w/2F5wd
Publisher content
Activities
Make a clay or Play-Doh kingfisher: https://video.link/w/DW5wd
Research other birds that like to go fishing (killdeer, egrets, plover, herons). How are their beaks different from songbirds?
How to draw a kingfisher: https://video.link/w/Yg6wd
Corey Tabor
Author
Corey lives in Tacoma, Washington with his wife and son.
Interview with Corey: https://www.maxsboat.com/post/interview-with-corey-r-tabor-mel-fell
Companion books
FLY!
Mark Teague, 2019
YOU NEST HERE WITH ME
Jane Yolen and Heidi E.Y. Stemple, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, 2015
THE SLUG
Elise Gravel, 2016