Outlaws Of Gressingham
#1 in The Grubtown Tales Series
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
Join author Philip Ardagh, assistant Dotty and harassed editor Adrian as together they craft the entertaining escapades of young knight-to-be Tom Dashwood and his merry band of outlaws. Well, just as soon as Philip can be convinced to write the manuscript. A story within a story, this rollicking laugh-out-loud romp is sure to appeal to readers of all ages and is particularly suitable for 7-9s.
Discussion points
What did you think about the actions of the main character and how they influenced the story?
How do you think the characters felt when they faced challenges?
What would you do if you were in the main character's position?
What is the most important lesson you learned from the story?
How do the friendships in the book compare to your own friendships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book without interjecting too quickly. Let them fully flesh out their ideas.
As your child answers the questions, ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into their understanding and perspective.
Relate the themes or situations in the book to your child’s own experiences to make the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Praise your child for their insights and opinions to boost their confidence in expressing themselves.
Discuss the moral dilemmas in the story and ask your child how they would resolve them, supporting critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and cooperation
Explanation: The characters in 'Outlaws of Gressingham' work together to overcome challenges, demonstrating the power of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of collaborating and supporting each other in group projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Importance of honesty
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters face consequences for dishonest behavior, teaching readers about the value of truthfulness.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice honesty in their daily interactions, enhancing their trustworthiness among peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Courage to stand up for what is right
Explanation: The protagonists often take bold actions to fight injustice, showing courage and moral integrity.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to uphold fairness and integrity, even in difficult situations at school or with friends.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: The characters encounter various obstacles but remain resilient, emphasizing perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay determined and persistent despite challenges in their academic and personal lives.