Nell and the Cave Bear: the Journey Home
#2 in Nell and the cave bear Series
What’s inside...
Join brave little Nell and her beloved companion Cave Bear in this second delightful adventure from renowned illustrator Martin Brown (The Horrible Histories). Nell and Cave Bear are safe in the company of the animal-loving Sea Clan. But when the Woodland Clan begin causing trouble, the two friends are separated. This time the Woodland hunters are determined not to return home empty-handed. Can Nell and Cave Bear escape the greatest danger yet? With beautiful illustrations throughout, this captivating story is perfect for fans of Winnie the Pooh and Paddington Bear.
Discussion points
How do you think Nell felt when she met the Cave Bear for the first time? What would you have done in her place?
What lessons did Nell learn during her journey? How do these lessons apply to challenges you face in your own life?
Throughout the book, Nell and the Cave Bear face many obstacles. Which obstacle was the most challenging, and how did they overcome it together?
What does 'home' mean to you? How is it similar or different from what 'home' meant to Nell?
Nell shows a lot of bravery in the story. Can you think of a time when you were brave like Nell?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pace when reading to highlight the emotional journey of Nell and the Cave Bear. This helps children grasp the story’s emotional depth.
Ask predictive questions: Before turning the page, ask your child what they think will happen next. This keeps them engaged and thinking critically about the story.
Connect to personal experiences: Relate the themes and situations in the book to your child's own experiences. This enhances understanding and personal connection to the story.
Discuss the illustrations: Talk about how the pictures in the book add to the story. Ask your child what they notice in the illustrations and what it tells them about the scene or characters.
Encourage empathy: Discuss the feelings and motivations of different characters, and ask your child how they would feel in similar situations. This builds emotional intelligence and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery in facing fears
Explanation: In the story, Nell shows courage when she helps the lost cave bear find its way home despite her own fears.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of overcoming their fears and helping others in need, fostering bravery in unfamiliar situations.
Example Lesson: Friendship and trust
Explanation: Through her journey with the cave bear, Nell demonstrates the value of forming unlikely friendships and building trust.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to friendships with peers who might be different from them and to build trust in relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Nell uses her ingenuity and resourcefulness to navigate through the challenges she faces during her adventure.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to think critically and solve problems in creative ways, whether at school or in social scenarios.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature and animals
Explanation: Nell's compassionate approach to the cave bear highlights the importance of respecting and caring for animals and the environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of ecological conservation and promotes empathy towards animals.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous obstacles, Nell persists in her mission to help her new friend, demonstrating determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in achieving goals, whether they are personal, educational, or communal.