Mistress Masham's Repose
Gregg Press children's literature series
on Goodreads (1,912)
What’s inside...
Ten-year-old Maria, an orphaned heiress mistreated by evil guardians, discovers the descendants of the Lilliputians living on an island in the lake of her English mansion. With the help of her erudite friend, Professor, she learns they are the kingdom of Lilliput in exile. Initially, Maria's attempts to help them backfire, but the real danger begins when her greedy guardians discover the Lilliputians and see them as an opportunity to make money.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
255 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How would you feel if you discovered a hidden world like Maria did in Mistress Masham’s Repose?
What qualities do you admire in Maria and why?
If you were in Maria's place, how would you help the Lilliputians?
What lessons do you think Maria learned throughout her adventures?
How do the settings in the book contribute to the story? Which place would you like to visit?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own hidden world; ask what it would look like and what kind of creatures or people might live there.
Discuss the character traits that make Maria a hero, and ask your child about the traits they admire in their personal heroes.
Prompt your child to think about the consequences of actions, both good and bad, through Maria's decisions and their impacts on the Lilliputians.
Explore the themes of friendship and trust with your child by discussing Maria's relationships with other characters in the book.
Use a map or create one together to track the various locations Maria visits in the story, enhancing geographical and spatial thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Mistress Masham’s Repose', the protagonist, Maria, learns to understand and empathize with the Lilliputians, a tiny group of people living on her estate. Through her interactions, she sees the world from their perspective.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to listen and understand others around them, appreciating that everyone has a unique viewpoint and that understanding can lead to more harmonious interactions in the playground and classroom.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and Problem Solving
Explanation: Maria frequently uses her wits to solve problems, such as rescuing the Lilliputians from danger and outsmarting the villains. Her creative problem-solving showcases the effectiveness of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Kids can utilize resourcefulness by finding creative solutions to their issues, whether it’s resolving a dispute with a sibling or coming up with a new game to play when bored.
Example Lesson: Importance of Protecting the Vulnerable
Explanation: Maria understands her responsibility to protect the tiny Lilliputians who are vulnerable due to their size. She makes thoughtful choices to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to stand up for those who are weaker or in need of help at school or in their community, developing a sense of responsibility and justice.
Example Lesson: Standing Up Against Wrongdoings
Explanation: The novel portrays Maria’s courage to oppose those who wish to exploit the Lilliputians, emphasizing the importance of standing up against wrongdoings, regardless of the adversaries' power.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of assertiveness and speaking out against injustices, fostering a sense of moral courage and integrity in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship and Trust
Explanation: Through her adventures, Maria builds a strong bond of friendship and trust with the Lilliputians, showing that trust and mutual respect are foundational to any strong relationship.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to build trusting and respectful relationships with their peers, which are essential for a supportive social environment at school and other social settings.