Once Upon a Hillside
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Angela McAllister's seven original stories follow the changing landscape of lives on one hillside from the Stone Age to the present day. Six thousand years ago, people first came to the hillside and a story began. A Neolithic girl, Roman twins, a herbalist's daughter, an orphaned bird-seller and others all played their part in the history of this hillside. These stories, told through the eyes of different characters, offer a glimpse into the lives and experiences of people throughout history, showcasing how the landscape and its inhabitants have evolved over time.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
224 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the animals in the story felt when they had to share their hillside?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as the main characters?
Why is it important to respect and take care of nature?
How can we help animals and plants around us thrive?
What did you learn from the story that you can apply in your life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask your child to relate the story to their own experiences, promoting empathy and understanding.
Discuss the significance of teamwork and community as illustrated in the book.
Encourage your child to think about the environment, fostering a sense of responsibility towards nature.
Use the illustrations in the book to spark conversations about the diversity of wildlife and habitats.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character, helping them express their thoughts and feelings about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Once Upon a Hillside', the characters learn to understand and share the feelings of another character who is different from them.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by recognizing and respecting the feelings and perspectives of their peers and others in their community.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of working together to overcome obstacles, as the characters must collaborate to solve a problem in their community.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of teamwork in school projects or family tasks, emphasizing that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Characters in the book face challenges but learn to persevere and not give up, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through difficulties whether in learning new skills or dealing with interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The book encourages creative solutions when the characters use imaginative methods to tackle their challenges.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box in daily problem solving, whether in academic settings or in play.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: Set on a scenic hillside, the story fosters a love and respect for the natural environment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and cherish their natural surroundings, fostering a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship.