Penguin Readers Level 3: Roald Dahl George's Marvellous Medicine
Penguin Young Readers, Level 2 Series
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
This book tells the story of a young boy named George who concocts a magical medicine to cure his grandmother's grumpiness. The medicine has unexpected results, leading to a series of whimsical and fantastical events.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think George feels about his grandmother? Why do you think he decides to make the medicine?
What would you have done if you were in George's place?
What are some of the wildest ingredients you would use if you were making your own marvellous medicine?
How do the other characters react to George’s medicine? What does this tell you about their personalities?
What lesson can we learn about handling problems with others from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own thoughts on George's actions and decisions, making it a mutual exchange of ideas. Ask open-ended questions to encourage your child to think deeper about the characters and plot. Relate the story to real-life scenarios to help your child connect with the themes. Lastly, encourage creativity by asking your child to imagine their version of a 'marvellous medicine' and what effects it would have.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and innovation
Explanation: George’s concoction of his Marvellous Medicine exemplifies creativity as he experiments with different ingredients.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to think outside the box and be inventive in their daily problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: The effects of the medicine on Grandma remind readers that actions, especially untested experiments, can have unpredictable outcomes.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to consider potential consequences before acting and reinforces the importance of supervision in activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Despite his Grandmother's unpleasantness, George's interactions prompt discussions about understanding and managing difficult relationships.
Real-World Application: Helps children recognize the complexity of human behavior and the importance of empathy in dealing with others.