Little Mother Meg
#3 in Woolcot Family Series
on Goodreads (120)
What’s inside...
Little Mother Meg is a sequel to Ethel Turner's classic novel, Seven Little Australians, focusing on the Woolcot family's second eldest daughter, Meg. After the death of her sister Judy, Meg becomes the maternal figure for her siblings, earning her the nickname 'Little Mother Meg.' The novel explores Meg's coming of age, her challenges in caring for her family, and her romance with Dr. Verney. Additionally, the story follows Meg's own children and their adventures, highlighting themes of family, growth, and love, set in late 19th-century Australia. Little Mother Meg describes Meg becoming a mother and raising her own children and Peter(the General) and Essie(baby Esther) go on adventure when they explore their neighbours' garden through a hole in the fence.
Discussion points
How do you think Meg felt when she had to take care of her siblings? Can you describe a time when you had to take responsibility for something important?
What are some ways that Meg shows her love and care for her family? How do you show love to our family?
Why is it important to help each other in a family? What are some ways we can help each other more?
Can you think of a time when you felt really proud of something you did for someone else, just like Meg was?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use gentle prompts to encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story and its characters.
Relate the story’s themes to real-life family situations that your child might have experienced to make the discussion more relevant.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and insights, which reinforces their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the story to foster curiosity and deeper understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonds
Explanation: The story showcases the strong sense of family among the siblings and how they support each other through various challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and nourish the relationships with their siblings and extended family, understanding the value of familial support in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Value of Responsibility
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters take on household duties and care for one another, demonstrating the importance of responsibility in a familial setting.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take initiative in their own homes, helping with chores and looking after siblings, fostering a sense of duty and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Persistence in Overcoming Obstacles
Explanation: The characters face several challenges but overcome them through persistence and teamwork, emphasizing resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to persist in the face of their own difficulties, whether it be at school or in personal endeavors, understanding that perseverance is key to success.