J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan & Wendy
Peter Pan Series
What’s inside...
J. M. Barrie's 'Peter Pan & Wendy' tells the magical tale of a boy who refuses to grow up. Peter Pan visits the Darling family in London and entices Wendy, John, and Michael to join him on an adventure to Neverland, a fantastical island where children never age. Accompanied by the tiny, jealous fairy Tinker Bell, they fly away and encounter the Lost Boys, a group of children Peter looks after. The island is filled with mermaids, Native Americans, and pirates, including the infamous Captain Hook, Peter's archenemy. Hook seeks revenge on Peter for cutting off his hand and feeding it to a crocodile. Throughout their adventures, Wendy takes on a motherly role for the Lost Boys, while Peter showcases his bravery and carefree spirit. The story explores themes of childhood innocence, the desire for freedom, and the bittersweet nature of growing up. Eventually, Wendy and her brothers realize they cannot stay in Neverland forever and decide to return home, with Peter promising to visit Wendy every year. However, as time passes, Wendy grows up, highlighting the inevitable transition from childhood to adulthood.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
272 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Peter Pan's ability to fly make you feel? Do you think it symbolizes something special about childhood?
Wendy takes on a motherly role when in Neverland. How do you think caring for others helps us grow?
Captain Hook is often afraid of the crocodile. What do you think the crocodile represents in the story?
The idea of never growing up is central to Peter Pan. What are some fun things about being a child? What might be fun about growing up?
If you could visit Neverland, what adventures would you like to have?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life. Different voices can make the experience more immersive and fun for your child.
Encourage your child to imagine their own Neverland. Ask them what it would look like and who they would meet there.
Discuss the themes of bravery and fear by relating them to personal experiences, which can help your child connect more deeply with the characters.
After reading, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This helps reinforce memory and understanding of the story.
Pause at cliffhangers and ask your child to predict what might happen next, fostering creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of responsibility
Explanation: Peter Pan is a tale of adventure and eternal youth, yet it also highlights the importance of growing up and accepting responsibility. Wendy Darling demonstrates this as she takes on a caring role for her younger brothers in Neverland, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that being responsible is an essential part of maturing. They can apply this by taking care of their belongings, completing homework on time, and helping around the house.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: Peter Pan encourages children to use their imagination as a way to explore the world around them. The adventures of Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys in Neverland show how imagination can lead to discovery and learning.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in creative play, storytelling, or art, allowing them to express themselves and think critically about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters are faced with various challenges and threats, such as Captain Hook. The bravery that Peter and his friends exhibit in dealing with these dangers teaches children the value of courage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears, whether it’s speaking in front of the class, trying out for a sports team, or standing up to a bully.
Example Lesson: The significance of friendship
Explanation: The bonds between Peter, Wendy, and the Lost Boys highlight the value of friendship. They rely on each other and face many obstacles together, showing how friendship can provide support and strength.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of building strong, supportive friendships and being a good friend in their own lives, helping each other in times of need.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Peter Pan’s adventures often lead to unforeseen consequences, such as the conflict with Captain Hook and his pirates. This aspect of the story helps children understand that actions have consequences.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to think before they act and to consider the potential effects of their actions on themselves and others.