Little Manfred
on Goodreads (879)
What’s inside...
The novel intertwines the stories of Charley, Alex, and Manfred, a wooden dachshund, with the past experiences of their grandmother during World War II in England. It explores themes of connection, history, and reconciliation as the children uncover their family's past involving a German sailor and an English farm girl, drawing parallels with another story set in the Imperial War Museum about a German prisoner of war who carves a wooden dachshund for a British child, leading to an emotional parting and a lingering question of their potential reunion.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the friendship between Little Manfred and the two veterans change throughout the story?
Why do you think the author chose to include a wooden dog as a central part of the story?
What emotions did you feel when reading about the history shared by the characters?
How can we learn from history and the experiences of others, as shown in the story?
What does the beach setting add to the story? How might it change if it were set somewhere else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on each character's feelings at different points in the story, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the importance of history and personal stories, linking them to the child's experiences or family stories you might share together.
Explore the significance of friendship and loyalty depicted in the book, prompting your child to share their own experiences with friends.
Use the beach setting to visualize and perhaps draw scenes from the book, making the reading experience more interactive and memorable.
Encourage questions about any historical elements or unfamiliar terms, promoting curiosity and research skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Little Manfred', the bond between Charley, Alex, and Manfred showcases how friendships can form across different backgrounds and ages, enriching lives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that true friends come from diverse backgrounds and can offer different perspectives in life.
Example Lesson: Understanding history through personal stories
Explanation: The narrative intertwines with historical events, as the characters uncover the personal impacts of World War II, bringing history to life and making it more relatable.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by showing more interest in their family histories and the world around them, understanding that history is not just facts but stories of real people.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: The book portrays characters who display kindness and understanding, especially when they learn about each other's past hardships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more empathetic and compassionate by considering others' feelings and experiences, helping them build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: The characters in the story overcome emotional and physical challenges, demonstrating resilience and the ability to adapt.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that they too can overcome difficulties in their lives, fostering a sense of resilience and personal strength.
Example Lesson: The value of sharing stories
Explanation: As the characters share their experiences with each other, it highlights how storytelling connects people and passes on valuable lessons.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to share their own experiences and listen to others, enhancing communication skills and understanding different perspectives.