How the Leopard Got His Claws
What’s inside...
Recounts how the leopard got his claws and teeth and why he rules the forest with terror. In this powerful illustrated fable for older picture book readers, Achebe, the celebrated Nigerian writer, offers a parable about how power corrupts.
Age
7-10
Length
35 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Leopard
Elephant
Dog
Discussion points
Why do you think the leopard wanted claws in the story?
How did the other animals react to the leopard's new claws?
What would you have done if you were one of the animals in the forest?
How do you think the story would have ended if the leopard had chosen not to get his claws?
What did you learn about how we should treat others from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Allow your child to express their ideas and feelings about the story before providing your own insights.
Encourage your child to think about the characters’ motivations and reactions, connecting them to real-life scenarios they might encounter.
Discuss the moral of the story and its relevance to everyday life to help deepen your child’s understanding.
Use expressive reading techniques, altering your tone and pace to match the narrative, to make the story more engaging for your child.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to encourage critical thinking and to extend the conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Justice and Injustice
Explanation: The story delves into the transformation of a kind and just king into a vengeful creature when faced with betrayal and injustice. It explores how power can corrupt and lead to a cycle of violence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of fairness and the consequences of their actions. It encourages them to think about how their behavior affects others and the importance of acting justly.
Example Lesson: The Impact of Leadership
Explanation: The king's leadership style changes dramatically throughout the story, affecting all the animals in the forest. This aspect provides a platform to discuss how leadership can influence a community.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the role of a leader and how their decisions can affect a group, teaching them about responsibility and the qualities of a good leader.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Despite the challenges and transformations the characters face, the story highlights how they adapt to their new circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn about perseverance and resilience, drawing parallels to adjusting to new situations in their lives like moving to a new school or dealing with changes in their family structure.