Madame Tussaud: Waxwork Queen of the French Revolution (Who Was...?)
Who Was...? Series
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Young Marie first showed a talent for life-modelling as a teenager in Paris. Sent to live in the royal household, she started sculpting famous figures, including King Louis XVI himself. This is the amazing story of the woman who founded London's celebrated waxwork museum, Madame Tussaud's.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Marie Tussaud
Discussion points
What challenges did Madame Tussaud face during the French Revolution, and how do you think she overcame them?
Why do you think Madame Tussaud decided to create wax figures, and what impact do you believe her work had on history?
How do you think being involved in such a tumultuous time affected Madame Tussaud's art and career choices?
If you could meet Madame Tussaud, what questions would you ask her about her life and work?
How does Madame Tussaud inspire you to pursue your passions, despite difficulties?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Madame Tussaud’s shoes during different events described in the book.
Discuss the historical context provided in the book and how it connects to Madame Tussaud’s experiences.
Encourage your child to think about the perseverance demonstrated by Madame Tussaud, and ask them how they might apply similar resilience in their own lives.
Ask your child to draw parallels between Madame Tussaud’s world and the present day, fostering a deeper understanding of the impact of historical figures.
Use the book as an opportunity to explore broader topics such as history, art, and the consequences of political conflict.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance in adversity
Explanation: The book describes how Madame Tussaud faced challenging times, especially during the French Revolution, yet continued to work on her craft and manage her business.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of determination and hard work even when facing difficulties. It encourages them to persist and not give up easily on their goals.
Example Lesson: Historical awareness and appreciation
Explanation: Through Madame Tussaud's interactions and experiences, readers gain insights into key historical figures and events of the French Revolution.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to take an interest in history and understand the context of different historical periods, enhancing their educational foundation.
Example Lesson: Artistic expression and creativity
Explanation: The book highlights Madame Tussaud's skills in wax modeling and the creative process involved in making wax figures.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own creative abilities and appreciate various forms of artistic expression, whether in art classes or personal hobbies.
Example Lesson: Entrepreneurship and leadership
Explanation: Madame Tussaud is depicted as a savvy businesswoman who built a successful enterprise from her talent, navigating both economic and social challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to develop leadership qualities and understand the basics of starting and managing a business, promoting skills like innovation and responsibility.
Example Lesson: Moral integrity
Explanation: Despite the tumultuous period, Madame Tussaud had to make choices that reflected her values and integrity, particularly in how she presented historical figures in her museum.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of making ethical decisions and being true to one’s values, even in challenging situations.