After Hamelin
on Goodreads (508)
What’s inside...
Penelope, now 101 years old, vividly recalls the day when the Pied Piper lured away all the children of Hamelin, except for her, her deaf friend Alloway, and their three-legged dog. The question implicit in many folk and fairy tales, 'Then what?' is central to their story. In a quest that is both contemporary and timeless, Richardson creates a magical world through inventive wordplay, uninhibited imagination, and a facility with rhyme. Penelope, who lost her hearing on her eleventh birthday, the same day the Piper spirited the children away, is spared due to her deafness. With the gift of deep dreaming, a charm from Cuthbert, and her own courage, Penelope embarks on a treacherous quest to rescue the stolen children. Alongside companions like Scally her trusted cat, Alloway the blind harpist, Ulysses the three-legged dog, and Quentin a dragon who loves skipping, they journey to the Piper's mountain fortress. Through strange landscapes and close calls, they triumph over the Piper in a thrilling climax, setting the children of Hamelin free.
Age
10-13
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Penelope
Alloway
Scroogit
Piper
Discussion points
How do you think Penelope felt when she was left behind in Hamelin, and how would you feel in her situation?
What qualities do you admire in Penelope, and how can you apply these qualities in your everyday life?
Why is it important to help others, as seen through Penelope's journey to rescue the children?
What are your thoughts on the concept of bravery shown in the book? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
How do you think the story would change if you were one of the characters? Which character would you choose to be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions and the book's outcomes, helping them connect emotionally with the story.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story, specifically focusing on empathy, courage, and persistence. Ask how these values can be applied in real-world situations.
Relate the fantastical elements of the book to real-life scenarios to help your child draw parallels and deepen their understanding of the themes.
Foster a creative environment where your child can imagine alternate endings or different choices the characters could have made, enhancing their creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of courage and perseverance
Explanation: After Hamelin centers on Penelope, who bravely ventures into the magical world to rescue kidnapped children. Her journey exemplifies resilience and determination despite facing obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle challenges without giving up, standing up for themselves and others in difficult situations, whether at school or in friendships.
Example Lesson: Importance of empathy and compassion
Explanation: Penelope’s quest is driven by her empathy for the children and their parents. This emotional connection motivates her actions throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, leading to kinder interactions and helping those in need in their communities.
Example Lesson: The power of communication
Explanation: In her journey, Penelope encounters various characters and learns the importance of communicating effectively to navigate through the challenges.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of clear communication, aiding them in resolving conflicts and expressing their needs and ideas clearly in social situations.
Example Lesson: The significance of self-belief
Explanation: Despite being the only child left behind, Penelope’s strong belief in herself and her abilities plays a crucial role in her quest.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to believe in their own abilities when facing personal and academic challenges, fostering a positive self-image.
Example Lesson: Learning from diverse perspectives
Explanation: Throughout the book, Penelope learns valuable lessons from the different characters she meets, showing how diverse viewpoints contribute to solving problems.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and learn from different perspectives, enhancing their problem-solving skills and promoting inclusivity.