Mabel and the Mountain
on Goodreads (17)
What’s inside...
Mabel may be a small fly but she has Big Plans including climbing a mountain, hosting a dinner party, and making friends with a shark. Despite discouragement from her friends, Mabel perseveres, embracing the truth that one should listen to voices saying 'you can' rather than 'you cannot.' With unwavering confidence and belief in herself, Mabel teaches readers, both big and small, the importance of self-belief and the power of confidence in achieving one's dreams.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mabel
Discussion points
How do you think Mabel felt when others didn't believe in her dreams?
What did Mabel do to try and achieve her goals?
Can you think of a time when you worked hard to achieve something? What did you do?
Why is it important to help and support our friends, like the animals did for Mabel?
What does this story teach us about perseverance and believing in ourselves?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them to share stories of personal achievements and challenges. Highlight the themes of support and belief by discussing the importance of encouraging friends and family. Reinforce the message of persistence by celebrating small successes, much like Mabel's journey up the mountain.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Believe in Yourself
Explanation: Mabel, the protagonist, sets ambitious goals, like climbing a mountain, despite her friends' doubts. Her self-belief and determination drive her to keep moving forward, teaching children the power of confidence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to trust in their abilities and pursue their dreams, regardless of other's skepticism, which can foster resilience and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resilience
Explanation: Throughout the story, Mabel faces several challenges on her journey to climb the mountain but she persists and overcomes them. This highlights the importance of perseverance in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to stay determined and keep trying when faced with obstacles, whether in their academic pursuits, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Setting Goals
Explanation: Mabel starts her adventure with a clear goal in mind. The story showcases how setting goals can provide direction and motivation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of goal-setting in daily life, which can help them achieve more structured and focused outcomes in school projects or personal ambitions.
Example Lesson: Supporting Friends
Explanation: Despite initial doubts, Mabel's friends come together to support her quest, showing the value of friendship and encouragement.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of supporting their friends, nurturing empathetic and strong relationships from a young age.