Oliver Twist
Stepping Stone Books Series
What’s inside...
This children's adaptation of the Dickens story shares the experiences of Oliver, an orphan boy forced to practice thievery and crime in nineteenth-century London. True to the timeless tales themselves, these fully illustrated Children's Classics from Dalmatian Press bring beloved literary characters to life for everyone to enjoy. Beautiful cover art and detailed illustrations in almost every spread, and readable, faithfully-adapted stories will keep readers coming back for more. A collectible series, with plenty of entertainment for boys, girls and adults, Children's Classics introduce readers to a world of reading fun.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-14
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Oliver Twist
Rose Maylie
Charley Bates
The Artful Dodger
Nancy
Mrs. Maylie
Mr. Brownlow
Mr. Bumble
Noah Claypole
Monks (Edward Leeford)
Fagin
Bill Sikes
Discussion points
How do you think Oliver felt when he asked for more food, and why do you think he did it?
What qualities do you admire in Oliver and why?
If you were in Oliver's shoes, how would you have handled the challenges he faced?
How do the characters in 'Oliver Twist' show the importance of friendship and trust?
What have you learned about how people lived in Oliver’s time and how is it different from today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and opinions. Use the questions as a guide to delve deeper into the characters' motivations and the historical context of the story. Encourage your child to think critically about the choices Oliver made and relate them to their own experiences. Highlight the themes of resilience and compassion, discussing how these qualities are important in their everyday lives. Lastly, make connections to current events or personal experiences to make the discussion relatable and impactful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Oliver Twist’s experiences with poverty and hardship encourage readers to understand and share the feelings of others who are less fortunate.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize when someone else is in need and offer their help or understanding, fostering a kinder community.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous challenges, Oliver continues to strive for a better life, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children about the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles, whether in schoolwork, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Understanding right from wrong
Explanation: Oliver’s journey exposes him to both ethical and unethical characters, prompting discussions about morality.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this understanding by making choices that align with ethical principles in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of friendship and trust
Explanation: Throughout the novel, friendships help guide and protect Oliver, illustrating the importance of supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and cultivate trust within friendships and seek out peers who positively influence them.
Example Lesson: Awareness of social injustices
Explanation: The book portrays various social inequalities and injustices, encouraging readers to be aware of societal issues.
Real-World Application: This can lead to children becoming more informed and thoughtful about different social dynamics and possibly advocating for fairness in their communities.