Mary
What’s inside...
Most of the time Mary is happy. She is kind, caring and throws great tea parties. But what she wants more than anything is to find a friend to share them with. So overcoming her shyness, she sets off into the world. Who will she find? Can she fit in with the people she meets on the way? But it is only when she decides to be herself and do the things that make her happy, that her true friends will find her! A story about finding friendship and happiness by being just who you are.
Age
4-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mary felt when she made her big discovery?
What would you have done if you were in Mary's shoes during her adventure?
Why is it important to be curious like Mary?
What did you learn from Mary's actions and decisions?
If you could ask Mary one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events, fostering empathy and understanding.
Relate the story’s themes to your child’s experiences, making the content more relevant and engaging.
Pose hypothetical scenarios to your child based on the book’s plot to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Celebrate your child’s responses to foster confidence in expressing their viewpoints and interpretations.
Discuss the moral lessons in the story, emphasizing how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion
Explanation: In 'Mary', the protagonist demonstrates compassion by helping a lost bird find its way home, teaching children the importance of empathy and kindness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by helping classmates who feel left out or assisting in caring for pets at home.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Mary takes on the responsibility of caring for the bird until they can find its home. This aspect of the story highlights the importance of being responsible and taking ownership of one's duties.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to take care of their belongings, complete homework on time, or take on small household chores.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mary faces several challenges in her quest to help the bird. Her ability to think critically and solve problems is a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children can use problem-solving skills learned from the book to navigate their way through everyday challenges like resolving conflicts with siblings or figuring out puzzles.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Mary's determination to help the bird despite various obstacles teaches children the value of perseverance in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not easily give up on their tasks or hobbies, be it completing a difficult school project or learning to play a new sport.
Example Lesson: Joy of Helping Others
Explanation: The book concludes with Mary feeling a deep sense of joy and accomplishment through her acts of kindness, underlining the intrinsic rewards of altruism.
Real-World Application: Children can find joy in helping others by volunteering in community services or simply by being helpful and kind to family and friends.