Mary Shelley (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
Little People, Big Dreams Series
illustrations by
on Goodreads (395)
What’s inside...
New in the critically acclaimed Little People, BIG DREAMS series, discover the incredible life of Mary Shelley, the English novelist and creator of Frankenstein. When Mary Shelley was a little girl, she used to write stories beneath the trees in her garden. As an adult, Mary was inspired by this same imagination to create a ghost story, which became the famous novel: Frankenstein. This gripping book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the novelist's life. Little People, BIG DREAMS is a best-selling series of books and educational games that explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. All of them achieved incredible things, yet each began life as a child with a dream. This empowering series offers inspiring messages to children of all ages, in a range of formats. The board books are told in simple sentences, perfect for reading aloud to babies and toddlers. The hardcover versions present expanded stories for beginning readers. Boxed gift sets allow you to collect a selection of the books by theme. Paper dolls, learning cards, matching games, and other fun learning tools provide even more ways to make the lives of these role models accessible to children. Inspire the next generation of outstanding people who will change the world with Little People, BIG DREAMS!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mary Shelley
Percy Bysshe Shelley
William Godwin
Discussion points
What challenges did Mary Shelley face and how do you think she overcame them?
Why do you think Mary Shelley was so passionate about writing?
If you could talk to Mary Shelley, what would you want to ask her?
How do you think writing helped Mary Shelley express her feelings and ideas?
What characteristics do you admire in Mary Shelley and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by summarizing the book together, focusing on Mary Shelley's journey and achievements.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Mary Shelley’s shoes and discuss how they might have felt in different situations presented in the book.
Ask your child to think about any time they've faced a challenge and compare it to Mary Shelley's experiences, discussing any similarities or differences.
After discussing the questions, encourage your child to create a short story or a diary entry from Mary Shelley’s perspective to deepen their connection with her story.
Use examples from Mary Shelley's life to discuss the importance of perseverance and creativity in achieving one’s dreams.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Persistence in the face of adversity
Explanation: The story showcases Mary Shelley's journey, highlighting her perseverance through personal losses and societal challenges to write her novel, 'Frankenstein.'
Real-World Application: Children can learn to continue working towards their goals, even when they encounter obstacles or setbacks.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Mary Shelley's story encourages children to embrace their creativity as she used her imagination to create a groundbreaking piece of literature.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in creative writing or imaginative play, developing their own stories and ideas.
Example Lesson: Breaking barriers
Explanation: The book illustrates how Mary Shelley broke literary and societal norms by writing science fiction, a genre dominated by men at her time.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and excel in areas they are passionate about, regardless of stereotypes or expectations.
Example Lesson: The importance of education
Explanation: Mary's story emphasizes her dedication to learning, which helped her in writing and publishing her work.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to value and pursue education and learning, understanding its impact on achieving one’s dreams.