Hildegarde (ATOM Study Guide)

Hildegarde is a Saxony duck, the beloved pet of Christopher (14), Jeremy (12) and Isabel (9). Life is difficult for these three children as they struggle to deal with the recent loss of their father. They each try very hard to do the things they did before the death of their father but it's just not the same.

Like most children's pets, Hildegarde is central to the lives of the three children, but at this sad time in their lives she becomes a symbol of new life and hope when they realise that she is incubating a clutch of eggs. However their excitement is short-lived when Hildegarde goes missing.

They soon discover that Hildegarde has been 'ducknapped' by Wolf and his accomplice Tony. These two criminals are running a bird smuggling business under the guise of a travelling wildlife show. During one of their expeditions they come across Hildegarde who valiantly and noisily tries to defend her eggs. She is soon stuffed into a sack and joins the Australian native birds already captured by the two smugglers.

The children embark on an adventurous quest to rescue Hildegarde and along the way they encounter the hazards and limitations of the adult world while trying to come to terms with their own feelings about their father's death. Their journey ends humorously amid scenes of chaos; Hildegarde is rescued, the captured native birds are freed and the criminals are arrested.

The children and their mother achieve a sense of hope as they reunite Hildegarde with her eggs. Soon six fuzzy ducklings help the family find a new beginning, and once again laughter can be heard in their home.

Using Hildegarde in the primary classroom:

Hildegarde (Di Drew, 2001) explores a range of serious and sensitive issues such as loss, grief, family relationships, honesty, trust and the illegal export of native birds, within a story that balances drama and humour.

Teachers may select from activities designed to introduce or follow up the film, ideas to help develop knowledge about narrative, screen literacy, or activities related to the themes of Hildegarde. Information and activities provided in these notes aim to assist students to develop understandings, skills and attitudes from across the key learning areas of English, Health, Science, Studies of Society and Environment and Mathematics.