East of the Sun and West of the Moon: Old Tales from the North by Kay Nielsen
illustrations by
on Goodreads (2,893)
What’s inside...
The 33 Scandinavian folk tales take the imagination of the reader from rags to riches, from skulduggery to heroism, via witches' curses, beautiful princesses, giants, quests, billy goats and the occasional wicked troll, to a happy ending.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
204 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the journey the heroine undertook to find the prince? What qualities did she show that helped her succeed?
How do the magical elements in the story affect the characters and their decisions? Can you think of any examples?
Why do you think the prince was transformed into a bear, and what does it symbolize?
What lessons can we learn about bravery and persistence from the story?
How did the illustrations enhance your understanding or enjoyment of the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own magical world like the one in the book, and ask them what creatures and characters might live there.
Discuss the themes of the book such as bravery and love. Ask your child how they would act in similar situations.
Point out the use of imagery and symbolism through the illustrations, and discuss how they contribute to the story’s mood and themes.
Relate the story to your child's experiences, such as instances where they had to be brave or overcome obstacles.
After reading, consider engaging in an art project where your child draws their favorite scene or character from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: The heroine's persistent efforts to save the prince from the troll princess exemplify perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of never giving up when faced with challenges, encouraging them to persist in tasks like homework or learning a new skill despite difficulties.
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: The protagonist often receives help after showing kindness to others, reinforcing the value of being kind.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's everyday interactions, teaching them to be kind and considerate towards their peers and family members, fostering positive relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving and creativity
Explanation: The heroine uses her wits and creativity to overcome various obstacles, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think creatively in solving their own problems, whether in school projects or in interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Integrity and honesty
Explanation: Keeping her promise to the prince despite numerous challenges showcases the character's integrity.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the importance of honesty and keeping promises in a child's life, helping them build trust and respect with others.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: The heroine's journey into unknown realms to find the prince teaches courage and bravery.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to face new or unfamiliar situations with bravery, whether it’s attending a new school, making new friends, or trying out different activities.