Androcles and the Lion
What’s inside...
The book tells the story of Androcles, a runaway Roman slave who befriends a lion in the woods by removing a thorn from its paw. When captured and sentenced to die in the Colosseum, his life is unexpectedly spared by the same lion. The story promotes Christian faith and the importance of courage in one's convictions. The book also includes six of Aesop's fables, each linked to Christian values, Bible verses, and thought-provoking questions, part of the ReadHowYouWant series which adapts books in various formats for accessibility. Additionally, 'Androcles and the Lion' by George Bernard Shaw is a 1912 play that retells Androcles' story. The play explores themes of modern and early Christianity and Roman cultural values, serving to question and evoke empathy through its characters, especially Lavinia, during a time when Christian Church heavily influenced society.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-2
Length
92 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Androcles decided to help the lion, even though he was afraid?
What would you have done if you were in Androcles' place?
How did the friendship between Androcles and the lion change the way they both acted?
Why is it important to help others, even when it might be scary or difficult?
What did you learn about kindness and bravery from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to emphasize the moments of fear, bravery, and friendship in the story. This helps your child grasp the emotional undertones.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask predictive questions, such as 'What do you think Androcles will do next?' This invites the child to critically think and engage with the plot.
After reading, connect the story's themes to real-life situations, asking your child when they have shown or witnessed kindness and bravery. This helps internalize the morals of the story.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite scene. This makes the story more memorable and personally significant.
Praise your child’s insights during discussion to boost their confidence and interest in analytical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and kindness
Explanation: The story demonstrates compassion through the character of Androcles, who helps remove a thorn from the lion's paw, despite the potential danger.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of helping others in need, regardless of their circumstances, fostering empathy and kindness in real-life interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage and overcoming fear
Explanation: Androcles shows bravery when he decides to help the lion instead of running away, facing his fear head-on.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears and challenges bravely, understanding that courage can lead to positive outcomes and new friendships.
Example Lesson: The power of gratitude
Explanation: The lion reciprocates Androcles' kindness by sparing his life later in the story, showcasing how acts of kindness are often remembered and rewarded.
Real-World Application: Children are taught the significance of being grateful and returning kindness, reinforcing positive behavior and mutual respect in their everyday lives.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The narrative highlights that both positive actions, like helping the lion, and negative actions, lead to corresponding outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that their actions have consequences, encouraging them to make thoughtful and positive choices.