Jonathan Swift's Gulliver
What’s inside...
Award-winning author Martin Jenkins has skillfully adapted Jonathan Swift's 'Gulliver', remaining true to its tone and humor while making it accessible to younger readers. Illustrator Chris Riddell brings to life the people, creatures, and kingdoms of Swift's searing imagination. This magnificent edition includes all four of Gulliver's extraordinary voyages, exploring lands such as Lilliput, Brobdingnag, Laputa, and the kingdom of the Houyhnhnm. A tour de force of illustration and design, JONATHAN SWIFT'S GULLIVER is a magnificent introduction to one of the most popular stories in the English language.
Age
7-10
Length
144 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Gulliver felt when he discovered the different worlds? Can you imagine how you would feel in his place?
How do the characters in the different lands differ from one another, and what do those differences tell us about them?
Why do you think the author chose to have Gulliver visit places that are so unusual? What message might he be trying to convey?
If you could visit any of the lands Gulliver visited, which one would you choose and why?
What lessons do you think Gulliver learned from his adventures? Are there any lessons that you learned while reading?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Gulliver's situations, promoting a connection to the character.
Discuss the moral or lesson behind each unique world Gulliver visits, fostering a deeper understanding of the underlying themes.
Let your child's imagination run wild by asking them to invent their own lands and describe the kind of people or creatures who might live there.
Compare and contrast the lands from the story with the real world to develop critical thinking about differences and similarities.
After each reading session, recap what happened in the story to ensure comprehension and retention of the plot and its meaning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: Through Gulliver’s interactions with various fantastical societies, children learn the importance of understanding and respecting differences.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by showing empathy in their interactions with classmates from diverse backgrounds and learning to embrace different viewpoints.
Example Lesson: The importance of self-reflection
Explanation: As Gulliver reflects on human society from the perspective of different cultures, it encourages young readers to think critically about their own behaviors and society.
Real-World Application: Children can practice self-reflection by considering how their actions affect others around them and striving to make thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: Gulliver's numerous adversities and how he navigates them teach children that challenges can be overcome with persistence and resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persevere through their personal challenges, whether they are academic struggles or social conflicts.
Example Lesson: Questioning and critical thinking
Explanation: Gulliver’s adventures prompt readers to question norms and think critically about the status quo of their environment.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to ask questions about their world and analyze the answers they receive, helping them develop strong critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: The value of open-mindedness
Explanation: Throughout his journeys, Gulliver's ability to keep an open mind allows him to adapt and learn from each new society he encounters.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to approach new experiences and ideas with an open mind, enhancing their learning and interpersonal relationships.