Nattie Parsons' Good Luck Lamb
Picture Puffin S. Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Nattie Parson's lamb is not an ordinary farmyard lamb - he is her cherished playmate and her only companion. So when her grandfather decrees the lamb must be sold, Nattie rebels. Determined to find a way to keep her pet, Nattie decides to use his wool to make a very special shawl, one that a wealthy lady will buy. Although things turn out slightly differently than Nattie intends, she does get to keep her lamb.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
320 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Nattie felt when she found the Good Luck Lamb?
What would you do if you were in Nattie's place during her adventure?
Why is it important to help others, like Nattie does in the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt lucky, just like Nattie?
What does being brave mean to you, after reading about Nattie’s experiences?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reading the story with enthusiasm, using different voices for characters to make the story come alive. After reading, ask the questions in a casual manner, perhaps during a meal or while doing an activity together. Encourage your child to think deeply by asking follow-up questions based on their responses. Relate the themes or situations from the story to real-life events your child might have experienced. Finally, reassure them that, like Nattie, they can make brave and kind choices every day.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Nattie Parsons faces various obstacles while trying to ensure the safety of her Good Luck Lamb, teaching children how to persevere through difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist and keep trying, even when they encounter difficulties in their own tasks or goals.
Example Lesson: The importance of responsibility
Explanation: Nattie takes on the responsibility of caring for her lamb, showing children the importance of looking after someone or something else.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's life by encouraging them to take care of their belongings, pets, or help in looking after younger siblings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Throughout the story, Nattie shows compassion towards her lamb and others, teaching children to be considerate of others' feelings and needs.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to understand and share the feelings of their peers or family members, fostering a nurturing environment.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship
Explanation: As Nattie interacts with others in her quest, she forms bonds that underscore the importance of friendship.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to build and value connections, improving their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Nattie encounters various problems that she needs to solve to protect her lamb, which highlights the importance of creative thinking and decision-making.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply critical thinking to overcome obstacles in school or in social situations.