Olga Thorn
What’s inside...
For many years, tales of a terrible witch named Olga Thorn spread through town. She was known for her curious clothing, mysterious possessions, and nocturnal wanderings. Although everyone knew of her, they avoided getting too close. However, one night, the townspeople decided to confront their fears and face Olga.
Age
0-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Olga felt when she faced challenges, and what would you do in her shoes?
What lesson did Olga learn by the end of the story? Do you think that's an important lesson? Why?
Olga meets many different characters throughout her journey. Who was your favorite and why?
If you could change one part of Olga's story, what would it be and how would you change it?
How can we apply Olga's experiences to our daily lives or challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use emotive prompts to evoke empathy and deeper understanding. Ask your child how they would feel in similar situations that Olga encountered.
Encourage your child to connect with the story by relating it to their own experiences. This will help them apply the moral lessons from the book in real life.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.
Discuss the behavior and traits of different characters in the book. This helps in understanding perspectives and encourages critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Olga Thorn', the protagonist understands and shares the feelings of a new student who feels out of place. This emotional connection helps the new student feel welcomed and accepted.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by recognizing when a peer feels left out or sad, and offering their support or friendship, which is essential for building healthy interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Olga faces her fears when she stands up to a group of bullies who are bothering her friend. Her bravery helps maintain a safe and friendly school environment.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of confronting fears and standing up for what is right, helping them develop moral courage which is vital in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Olga takes responsibility for a mistake she made, which teaches her the importance of honesty and owning up to one's actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to accept responsibility for their actions and learn from their mistakes, which is crucial for personal development and integrity.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing several challenges, Olga perseveres and finds creative solutions to problems, highlighting the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying and not give up when faced with difficulties, fostering resilience and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Olga shows respect for people's differences, which enriches her experiences and friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value diverse perspectives and backgrounds, promoting inclusiveness and cultural awareness in their everyday interactions.