My Napoleon
on Goodreads (17)
What’s inside...
Based on the memoirs of a young girl living on St Helena, this story tells of how Napoleon befriends the girl, perfectly evoking the spirit of childhood in such an exotic setting. The book is a diary of Betsy Balcombe, a little English girl who lives on the island of St Helena. She records what happens when a small, fat, friendly general who is a 'very important prisoner' comes to stay - the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. The book is based on the memoirs of the real-life Betsy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Napoleon felt when he was trying to achieve his big dreams?
How would you tackle a big challenge like Napoleon did?
What are some qualities that Napoleon had that you admire or find interesting?
If you were Napoleon, what would you have done differently in the story?
Can you think of a time when you had to be brave like Napoleon?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Napoleon’s journey, reinforcing that their opinions are valued. Connect the story to your child’s experiences by asking them to relate personal challenges to those Napoleon faced. Discuss the moral lessons and character traits exhibited, highlighting the importance of perseverance and courage. Use expressive reading to bring the story to life, altering your tone and pace to match the narrative’s emotions. After reading, let your child draw or act out their favorite scene, deepening their connection to the story’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Leadership
Explanation: The character My Napoleon displays qualities of a strong leader by making tough decisions for the greater good.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking initiative in group activities or making thoughtful decisions among peers.
Example Lesson: Importance of Humility
Explanation: Despite his prowess, My Napoleon learns the importance of being humble which teaches children that true leadership involves humility.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice humility by acknowledging their mistakes and learning to share credit with others.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: My Napoleon faces various challenges but his resilience in overcoming them highlights the importance of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt resilience by not giving up easily in their personal challenges, be it in schoolwork or friendships.
Example Lesson: Learning from History
Explanation: Through My Napoleon's historical context, children gain insights into historical events and figures.
Real-World Application: This can spark an interest in history, encouraging children to explore more about different eras and their impact on our world today.
Example Lesson: Value of Strategy
Explanation: Strategic thinking is a key element shown by Napoleon in the book, teaching the importance of planning ahead.
Real-World Application: Kids can implement strategic thinking in problem-solving tasks or while playing games that require planning and foresight.