King Rat (Collins Red Storybooks)
Collins Storybook. Series
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
The two stories in this book explore well-known childhood fears. Josh's trip to the pantomime is spoiled when he becomes terrified of one of the characters. In the second story, Josh discovers that even his older sister gets scared. Josh's trip to the pantomime is spoilt when he is terrified by one of the characters and has to be taken out of the theatre, and in the second story Josh's older sister, Poppy, is afraid of what might come down the chimney in the fireplace in her new bedroom.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
91 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mouse felt when he first met King Rat and why?
What do you think are the differences between good and bad leadership, as depicted in the book?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult choice, like Mouse did? What did you decide and why?
What do you think King Rat learned by the end of the story?
How would you change the story if you were the author?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they felt about the book to gauge their initial reactions and emotional connection to the story.
Encourage your child to compare the characters in the book to real-life situations or people they know to make the themes more relatable.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book and ask your child what they would do in similar situations.
Highlight the actions and traits of different leaders in the story and ask your child to think about what makes an effective leader.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child how they might end the story differently or what adventures the characters might go on next.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'King Rat', the protagonist learns to navigate the challenges of isolation and fear with the help of friends, showing children the strength that comes from supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by actively fostering and relying on friendships during tough times to overcome challenges, enhancing their emotional resilience.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The main character demonstrates courage by confronting and overcoming his fears, which provides a strong role model for young readers.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to face their fears, whether it's trying something new or standing up for themselves, teaching them bravery and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: The impact of wise decision-making
Explanation: Throughout 'King Rat', the characters make decisions that significantly impact their lives and the lives of others, illustrating the importance of thoughtful choices.
Real-World Application: By reflecting on the outcomes of the characters' decisions, children can learn to consider the consequences of their actions in real life, fostering responsible behavior.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story teaches empathy by showing how understanding different perspectives can lead to compassion and better interpersonal relationships.
Real-World Application: This helps children appreciate the feelings and viewpoints of others, enhancing their social interactions and ability to navigate complex social environments.