A House That Once Was
on Goodreads (1,482)
What’s inside...
This rhyming story is perfect for reading aloud to young children. The impressive illustrations and the cadence of the text make it a delight for eyes and ears. One afternoon, a group of children visit an abandoned house. There are still photos in the frames on the walls—images of a remote past, of the old inhabitants. As they wander the grounds, the children wonder: who lived in the house? What jobs did they do? Why did they abandon their home? Did they go somewhere else to work? Or to follow a dream? This house that was once a home is now abandoned, but each room lets you imagine the presence of a happy person.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think happened to the people who used to live in the house?
How do you feel when you see old, abandoned places?
Can you imagine what kind of stories the walls of the house might tell if they could talk?
What do you think makes a house feel like a home?
If you could ask the house one question about its past, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the house and its mysterious past, validating their emotions and building empathy.
Ask your child to describe what they imagine the house looked like in its prime, enhancing their creativity and attention to detail.
Discuss the concept of 'home' and what it means to your family, connecting the themes of the book to your child's personal experiences.
Invite your child to create a short story or drawing about the life of the house, fostering their storytelling skills and imagination.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Exploration of Curiosity
Explanation: The story follows two children as they explore an abandoned house, encouraging curiosity and imagination.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to explore and ask questions about their surroundings, fostering a sense of discovery and learning.
Example Lesson: Understanding the Past
Explanation: Through their imaginations, the children in the book piece together stories about the former inhabitants, teaching the value of history and memory.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate their own histories and those of others, enhancing their empathy and cultural awareness.
Example Lesson: Respect for Property
Explanation: The children in the story are careful as they explore, showing respect for the belongings and space of others.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of respecting others' property and personal spaces, crucial for harmonious social interactions.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creative Thinking
Explanation: As the children imagine who lived in the house, the story celebrates creative thinking and storytelling.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination to create stories and scenarios, aiding in creative development and problem-solving skills.