Mary's Penny
on Goodreads (112)
What’s inside...
This is a story of one farmer, his three children, Franz, Hans, and Mary, and an ingenious competition that will determine who should inherit the farm. Which of the farmer's children will be able to fill the house with something that costs a mere penny? Will straw do the trick? Will feathers be sufficient? Or will it take something a little more creative?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Mary felt when she was given the chance to compete with her brothers? How would you feel in her situation?
Why do you think Mary chose to buy a hen with her penny? What would you have done with the penny?
How did Mary prove her brothers wrong about her abilities? Have you ever had to prove yourself to someone?
What do you think this story tells us about the importance of believing in yourself?
How do you think the father felt at the end of the story? Why is it important to give everyone a fair chance?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story where you had to make a small but important decision, similar to Mary's decision with the penny.
Encourage your child to put themselves in Mary’s shoes, fostering empathy and understanding of the character’s feelings and decisions.
Discuss the stereotypes presented in the book, explaining how Mary challenged these and why it’s important to judge people by their abilities rather than assumptions.
Highlight the themes of perseverance and self-belief in the book, asking your child about a time they believed in themselves and succeeded at something challenging.
Praise your child’s insights and encourage them to think of other ways the story could have ended, enhancing their creative and critical thinking skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Equality and Fairness
Explanation: In 'Mary's Penny', the story challenges traditional gender roles when Mary succeeds in a task that her brothers could not, demonstrating her intelligence and capability. Despite initial doubts due to her gender, Mary earns her father's recognition and a reward.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value equality and fairness, learning to judge others by their abilities and contributions, rather than gender or other superficial attributes.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
Explanation: Mary solves the challenge posed by her father by using innovative thinking and problem-solving skills. She is the only one who uses a clever and thoughtful method to prove how many legs a chicken has, demonstrating critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to approach problems creatively and think outside the box in their everyday interactions and challenges.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Resilience
Explanation: Mary shows persistence and resilience by confidently participating in a challenge that her brothers and even the community think she can't win due to her gender. Her perseverance is rewarded in the end.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persisting in the face of adversity and doubters, understanding that striving hard is essential for achieving one's goals.
Example Lesson: Value of Education
Explanation: The book subtly emphasizes the importance of education and learning. Mary's ability to think and reason is highlighted as her greatest strength, leading to her success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to take their education seriously and understand that knowledge and wisdom are vital tools for personal development and success.
Example Lesson: Confidence and Self-Belief
Explanation: Despite societal expectations and the ridicule she faces, Mary remains confident in her abilities and ideas throughout the story. Her self-belief is instrumental in her eventual victory.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of self-confidence and believing in one's own ideas and capabilities, which can help them navigate through various challenges in life.