Bleak House, Vol. 2 of 2 (Classic Reprint)
Bizzy Bear Series
on Goodreads (83)
What’s inside...
This book is a reproduction of the historical work, Bleak House, published by Forgotten Books. The novel, part of Penguin's Clothbound Classics series, follows the case of Jarndyce and Jarndyce as it affects a diverse group of characters, from Ada and Richard Clare to the menacing lawyer Tulkinghorn and the sleuth Inspector Bucket. The narrative provides a critical look at a society plagued by legal corruption, showcasing a range from aristocratic drawing rooms to the poorest slums of London. Introducing Bizzy Bear from Nosy Crow, an imprint of Candlewick Press. Bizzy Bear, the busiest bear on the block, stars in these robust little board books ideal for active toddlers. The books feature chunky sliders to push and pull, rich visual detail, and touches of humor, making them a likely favorite in the family library. Bizzy Bear's busy day includes calling his friend Rabbit to the park, where they engage in activities like playing soccer, enjoying the slide and seesaw, riding bikes, and eating ice cream.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
535 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Esther Summerson
Lady Dedlock
Richard Carstone
Ada Clare
Sir Leicester Dedlock
George Rouncewell
Mr. Guppy
Inspector Bucket
John Jarndyce
Mr. Tulkinghorn
Discussion points
What do you think motivates Esther to be so kind and helpful to others?
How do the different settings, like Chesney Wold and Tom-all-Alone's, affect the mood of the story?
Why do you think Mr. Jarndyce acts the way he does throughout the novel?
How do the characters change over time in the story, and what events influence these changes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the characters’ experiences to their own life. Ask them to think about how they would feel in similar situations. Use the complexities of the diverse characters to discuss empathy and understanding different perspectives. Lastly, emphasize the importance of perseverance and integrity as reflected through the challenges faced by characters in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy
Explanation: In 'Bleak House', characters such as Esther Summerson demonstrate compassion through their interactions with others, despite personal hardships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to empathize with peers and understand different perspectives, fostering kinder interactions and community spirit.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story's complex legal case, Jarndyce and Jarndyce, showcases characters persisting through incredibly challenging circumstances without losing hope.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to tackle their challenges, such as difficult schoolwork or personal goals, with determination and resilience.
Example Lesson: The importance of integrity
Explanation: Characters like John Jarndyce are admired for their ethical conduct and honesty, which ultimately leads to positive outcomes for them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of honesty and making ethical choices, impacting how they handle situations in school and with friends.
Example Lesson: Social justice and reform
Explanation: Dickens criticizes societal and legal injustices, highlighting the need for reform and proactive involvement in societal issues.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be aware of fairness and justice from a young age, promoting advocacy and informed citizenship.
Example Lesson: The consequences of selfishness
Explanation: Characters like Mr. Tulkinghorn, who act out of self-interest, often face negative outcomes, illustrating the repercussions of selfish behaviors.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of considering others in their decisions and the impact their actions can have on themselves and others.