Gulliver's Travels (Gift Books)
Gift Books Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (33)
What’s inside...
Gulliver's Travels, a classic adventure novel, recounts the series of extraordinary voyages undertaken by Lemuel Gulliver, a ship's surgeon. Through his eyes, readers experience the incredible societies of Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, and the land of the Houyhnhnms. In Lilliput, Gulliver encounters a race of tiny people with petty concerns and politics. In contrast, Brobdingnag is a land of giants where Gulliver feels vulnerable and insignificant. Laputa, the flying island, is inhabited by people overly obsessed with mathematics and music, neglecting practical affairs. Finally, in the land of the Houyhnhnms, rational horses live in a utopian society, while the brutish Yahoos represent the worst of human nature. Through satire and allegory, Swift explores themes of human folly, the corruption of society, and the flaws of human nature.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the different places Gulliver visited? Which one would you like to visit and why?
How do you think Gulliver felt when he met people much smaller and much larger than him? Have you ever felt out of place like Gulliver?
Gulliver had to adapt to new cultures in each place he visited. What are some ways you adapt when you're in a new situation?
What are some lessons that Gulliver learned from his travels? How do you think these lessons helped him grow?
If you could ask Gulliver one question about his adventures, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Gulliver’s shoes, and ask how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives, highlighted through Gulliver’s interaction with diverse cultures.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences, prompting them to draw parallels between their life and Gulliver’s adventures.
Use maps or globes to locate the fictional places Gulliver visited, integrating a fun geographical twist to the reading experience.
Focus on the moral and ethical questions raised in the book to guide deeper discussions on values and decision-making.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Gulliver's interactions with various societies on his travels teach children about understanding diverse perspectives and cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect differences among people in their own community and school, fostering inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout his voyages, Gulliver needs to adapt to new environments and solve problems, often creatively, to navigate challenges.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply adaptability and problem-solving skills in everyday situations, like adjusting to new school settings or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: As Gulliver encounters various bizarre situations and characters, readers are encouraged to think critically about the norms and rules of different societies.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children question and analyze the why and how of rules and customs they observe, promoting independent thinking.
Example Lesson: Personal Growth Through Adventure
Explanation: Gulliver’s journey is one of self-discovery and personal development, learning from each culture he encounters.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to embrace new experiences and learning opportunities that contribute to their personal growth.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Perspective
Explanation: The book presents various viewpoints through the strange lands Gulliver visits, highlighting how perspective shapes understanding.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider other viewpoints and understand that different people may see the same situation in various ways.