Book details
Danny Parker - Author
A visually imaginative story about fear, self-soothing and growing independence. Toby’s rescue of Henry shifts bravery from something supplied by an object to something he begins to practise himself.
Book Analysis
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Sign in for personalised guidanceHow the book presents it: The story presents self-calming and gradual confidence as ways Toby can face frightening situations.
Talk about: What helps Toby most when the parachute is no longer available?
How the book presents it: The narrative supports a transition towards independence, though it does not suggest that every child should abandon a comforting object in the same way.
Talk about: What does this make you notice or wonder about?
How the book presents it: Helping someone vulnerable is shown as a reason Toby finds courage, rather than as an absence of fear.
Talk about: If helping Henry had not been necessary, would Toby have found another reason to face the tree?
It may suit shared reading about worries and coping, especially because Toby talks himself calm after helping Henry. The illustrations appear to give his panic substantial emotional and imaginative presence.
The rescue involves Toby climbing a tree despite being afraid of heights, and Henry is left to float down using the parachute. Some children may find the perilous imagery tense.
What does Toby learn about feeling safe: does he stop needing the parachute altogether, or does he discover more than one way to manage fear?
Look closely at how the illustrations enlarge Toby’s fears, then pause after Henry is helped. Invite the child to notice Toby’s self-talk and compare it with the parachute’s role.
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
Limited information
Checked: 22 September 2026.
Relevant to: Coping with fear; Growing independence
Parachute - Danny Parker - Google Books
Limited information
Checked: 22 September 2026.
Relevant to: Coping with fear; Growing independence; Care and responsibility
Benefits, discussion questions and reading approaches are suggestions. Your knowledge of your child remains part of the decision.
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