Molly and the Baby Duckling
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Molly and the Baby Duckling is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Molly who finds a baby duckling and takes it home to care for it. As the duckling grows, Molly learns valuable lessons about responsibility, compassion, and the bond between humans and animals. The story teaches children about the importance of kindness and empathy towards all living creatures. Molly, aged eight, lives with her mother and father in a cottage in a small village during wintertime. Molly's father rides to work on a bicycle, and the snow has fallen overnight. Molly is excited to play outside, and during a family walk to the nearby frozen pond, they find a baby duckling that needs to be rescued.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Molly felt when she first saw the baby duckling?
Why do you think it's important to care for animals like Molly did?
How do you think the duckling felt having Molly care for it?
What would you do if you found a lost baby animal?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Molly by asking them about times they've helped someone else. Discuss the feelings associated with caring and being cared for. Use expressive questions to explore the themes of empathy and responsibility in the story, fostering a deeper connection to the book’s messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In the story, Molly shows kindness and understanding towards the lost baby duckling, helping it find its way back to its mother.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize emotions and situations where others may need help or comfort, promoting empathy in their interactions with friends and animals.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Molly takes on the responsibility of caring for the baby duckling until they find its mother, teaching about the importance of taking care of others.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to take initiative in caring for pets, younger siblings, or in completing personal tasks.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Molly faces challenges in helping the duckling but comes up with creative solutions to guide it back home.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to think critically and develop solutions when they encounter difficulties, fostering resilience and innovation.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the story, Molly collaborates with other animals to help the duckling, showcasing the value of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to seek help from and offer help to others, enriching their social skills and teamwork capabilities.