Lion at School and Other Stories
A young Puffin story book Series
on Goodreads (27)
What’s inside...
A growling lion spends a morning at school and frightens the school bully; a little boy saves a mouse's life; and the magic Great Sharp Scissors cause havoc. These are just some of the surprises in store in this collection of nine tales. A collection of gorgeous, classic stories from award-winning Philippa Pearce, bringing a little bit of magic to the everyday!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the lion feel being at school, and can you relate to any of those feelings?
Which story was your favorite and why?
What would you do if you met a character from the book?
How do the children in the stories help each other, and why is that important?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own thoughts on the book to create an open dialogue.
Ask your child to draw a scene from one of the stories, then discuss what's happening and why it's significant.
Encourage your child to think about how the characters' feelings change throughout the stories, and relate it to their experiences.
Use the discussion to explore broader themes like kindness, courage, and friendship.
Praise your child’s responses to reinforce their engagement and confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and facing fears
Explanation: In the story 'Lion at School', the young protagonist Nicky confronts his fear of attending a new school, symbolized by the metaphorical lion. His bravery in facing this challenge helps the lion gradually disappear, illustrating his overcoming of fear.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to confront their own fears, whether it’s starting at a new school, trying out for a sports team, or standing up in class to answer a question. This story encourages them to face challenges bravely.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The stories often feature characters who step into the shoes of others, experiencing their feelings and challenges. For example, Nicky encounters a lion that only he can see, which symbolizes personal struggles that others might not understand.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to be more empathetic and considerate towards their peers who might be dealing with invisible challenges. Promoting an understanding that everyone has unique struggles encourages kindness and support among children.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: Philippa Pearce weaves elements of fantasy like the metaphorical lion into real-world settings, sparking imaginations. The blending of reality and imagination in her stories enhances creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination not just in play, but as a tool for solving everyday problems. This fosters creative thinking abilities that are crucial in academic and social settings.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptability
Explanation: Characters in the stories often face unexpected situations that require quick thinking and adaptability. They learn to be resilient in the face of changes and to adapt to new environments or scenarios.
Real-World Application: This lesson is vital in helping children develop resilience against setbacks and adaptability in new or unfamiliar situations. Whether it’s moving to a new city or adjusting to a different school, children learn the importance of staying positive and resourceful.