Into the Forest
on Goodreads (1,161)
What’s inside...
Into The Forest is a strikingly illustrated tale that follows a boy's journey through the forest to his Grandma's house, where he encounters eerie moments and oddly familiar characters. The story explores the child's anxiety as he comes to terms with his father's mysterious disappearance and faces his fears. Along the way, he meets various fairy tale characters and discovers the fate of his father. This atmospheric exploration of a child's anxiety, by the 2000 Hans Christian Andersen Medal Winner, offers a deep look into facing fears and coping with uncertainty.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the boy felt when he entered the forest?
What do you think the forest symbolizes in this story?
Why do you think the author chose different fairy tale characters to appear in the story?
What is the importance of the father's role at the end of the book?
How would you have reacted in the same situations that the boy faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the boy’s journey, relating it to any personal experiences of overcoming fear or anxiety.
Discuss the symbolic elements in the story, such as the forest, and ask your child what other things could these symbolize in real life.
Highlight the interactions with fairy tale characters and explore what lessons each character might teach us about life.
Focus on the resolution of the story and discuss the importance of family support and bravery in overcoming challenges.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different choices the characters could have made, enhancing their critical thinking and creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding others
Explanation: As the protagonist encounters various characters in the forest, he learns to understand their fears and desires, which fosters a deep sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize emotions in others around them and responding with sensitivity and kindness.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of the unknown
Explanation: The journey through the forest is filled with uncertainty and mysterious characters, yet the protagonist bravely continues his quest, teaching children about courage.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face new challenges in life, such as starting a new school or trying out a new activity, with confidence and bravery.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The main character’s adventure is driven by his curiosity, leading him to explore the forest and meet new characters. This highlights the value of seeking knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be inquisitive about their surroundings and to engage in learning opportunities outside their comfort zones.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the protagonist encounters various challenges which he overcomes through creativity and quick thinking.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their imagination and creativity to solve problems they encounter in school or in their peer interactions.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: The narrative intertwines classic fairy tales with the protagonist's journey, showcasing the enriching power of stories.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate literature and enhances their own storytelling skills, which can aid in their academic and social development.