Far Journey, The
What’s inside...
Horace, who recently reached mousehood, is caught breaking an important rule and awaiting punishment when a dire situation proves him a hero, but he nevertheless feels compelled to leave the idyllic Fleur Gardens community to seek his long-lost mother and brother. The Far Journey by Lucille Travis is a story for kids about Horace, a mouse with artistic talent far beyond anything ever seen in Fleur Gardens. His mother, who escaped when her village was burned by the rats, left him in Fleur Gardens with kind mice who live quiet lives and keep the rules. But Horace's talent for drawing drives him to break an important rule and puts his adopted home in danger. Horace must then decide whether to set aside his own dream to defend his friends. His choice has much bigger results than anyone could have imagined.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
154 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Ben to go on his journey?
How do you think the characters in the story changed by the end?
What would you have done if you were in Ben's shoes during his challenges?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Ben?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the protagonist’s decisions and actions, enhancing their empathy skills.
Discuss the various settings in the book and how they might influence the story, which helps in building narrative skills.
Point out the character development in the story, asking your child to compare the beginning and the end, to promote critical thinking.
Have your child predict what might happen next at several points during the story, supporting their creativity and reasoning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: In 'The Far Journey', the protagonist faces numerous challenges on their journey, showcasing bravery despite fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing challenges courageously, understanding that it's okay to feel scared but still take action.
Example Lesson: Importance of Friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, the characters support and rely on each other, emphasizing the value of true friends during tough times.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of building and maintaining friendships, and how cooperation and support can overcome difficulties.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: The protagonist encounters various setbacks but continues to persevere, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist despite setbacks, understanding that challenges are a part of life and can be overcome with determination and resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: Characters in the book often show kindness and understanding toward each other, which plays a crucial role in their journey.
Real-World Application: This aids children in understanding the importance of being empathetic and compassionate towards others, fostering a caring attitude in real-world interactions.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters frequently face problems that require thoughtful solutions, highlighting the role of critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of thinking critically and solving problems thoughtfully, skills that are applicable in daily life and academic settings.