Cyclops
No Place for Monsters Series
on Goodreads (25)
What’s inside...
Describes the encounter between the cyclops Polyphemus and Odysseus and his men after the end of the Trojan War.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Odysseus
Polyphemus
Discussion points
What do you think it feels like to be a Cyclops, seeing the world with just one eye?
How do you think the Cyclops felt when encountering other characters in the story?
If you were friends with the Cyclops, how would you help him overcome challenges?
What are some ways the Cyclops shows his feelings throughout the book?
How would the story be different if the Cyclops had two eyes? Do you think his experiences would change?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to imagine themselves in the Cyclops' place, discussing how different situations might feel.
Facilitate critical thinking by discussing the Cyclops' actions and decisions, asking your child what they would do differently.
Use the illustrations to help visualize the story’s setting and characters, asking your child to describe what they see and how it contributes to the story.
Highlight themes of acceptance and misunderstanding in the book, and relate them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Promote a deeper understanding by asking your child to predict what could happen next if the story continued beyond the ending.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Cyclops,' the character's interactions with others who are different from him demonstrate the importance of understanding and feeling the emotions of others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing kindness and trying to understand their friends’ feelings, helping to create a supportive and inclusive environment at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges that require bravery and determination, showcasing how to confront fears and uncertainties.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to face their own fears, whether it’s trying new activities, standing up for themselves, or tackling difficult tasks at school.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The Cyclops takes responsibility for his actions throughout the story, learning from his mistakes and striving to make things right.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions, such as admitting when they are wrong and making amends, which is crucial for their personal development.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The book presents various problems that the Cyclops must solve, using critical thinking and creativity.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to think critically and find creative solutions to their own problems, whether academic or personal.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the setbacks, the Cyclops persists in his goals, teaching children the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to keep trying and never give up in the face of difficulties, which is essential for achieving long-term objectives.