Orphant Annie Story Book - Illustrated by Johnny Gruelle
not part of a series
on Goodreads (16)
What’s inside...
In a delightful fairy tale style, 'Orphant Annie Story Book' tells the wonderful tales of Little Orphant Annie through beautiful illustrations and prose. The book is written and illustrated by Johnny Gruelle, an American artist and children's book illustrator and author known for creating the Raggedy Ann series. The series features a central protagonist with red yarn hair and a triangle nose, inspired by an old rag doll and named after poems from James Whitcomb Riley. This re-printed edition by Pook Press showcases Gruelle's original text and color drawings, celebrating the 'Golden Age of Illustration' in children's literature.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
94 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What lessons do you think Annie learned throughout her adventures?
How do you think Annie felt when she helped others?
Which of Annie’s stories was your favorite, and why?
What would you have done differently if you were in Annie’s place in any of her stories?
How do you think courage and kindness helped Annie on her journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own favorite story from the book to create a reciprocal sharing environment.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the book by using emotion-focused language, such as 'How did it make you feel when...?'
Use follow-up questions to explore deeper understanding, such as 'What do you think could happen next if the story continued?'
Connect the stories to real-life situations, asking questions like, 'Have you ever been in a similar situation as Annie?'
Praise your child’s responses to reinforce their interest and engagement, and relate their answers to the themes of courage and kindness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Kindness
Explanation: The stories in 'Orphant Annie Story Book' often depict Annie's compassionate interactions with others, despite her own difficult circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by showing kindness to their peers, understanding differences, and offering help without expecting anything in return.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Annie frequently faces challenges and setbacks, yet she remains positive and continues to strive forward, showcasing her resilient spirit.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to persist through their own challenges, whether in school or in their personal lives, fostering a never-give-up attitude.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: Annie's adventures are often laced with elements of fantasy and creativity, inspiring readers to use their imagination.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in creative activities like drawing, storytelling, or imaginative play, enriching their cognitive and emotional development.
Example Lesson: The importance of storytelling
Explanation: Annie’s tales serve as a medium to convey morals and values. The enchanting narratives captivate young minds and impart wisdom subtly.
Real-World Application: Children learn the power of storytelling which can enhance their communication skills and ability to express themselves.