Persephone and the Pomegranate Seeds (Younger Fiction)
Orchard Myths. Series
on Goodreads (39)
What’s inside...
From the bestselling author/illustrator team of Geraldine McCaughrean and Tony Ross, this book explains how Pluto's love for Persephone caused the seasons to change, and how Atlanta's hand in marriage is won.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Persephone was tempted to eat the pomegranate seeds?
How do you think Persephone felt when she realized she had to stay in the Underworld?
What would you have done if you were in Persephone's place?
How do Persephone's actions affect the other characters in the story?
What can we learn from Persephone's experience about making decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Persephone's shoes, fostering empathy and understanding of the character's decisions.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at various points in the story to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
Discuss the themes of the story, such as decisions and consequences, to help your child connect the narrative to real-world concepts.
Use expressive reading to highlight emotional parts of the story, which can help your child better grasp the mood and feelings of the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of making wise choices
Explanation: Persephone's decision to eat the pomegranate seeds in the underworld is a pivotal moment, showing the consequences of choices.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think about the outcomes of their actions and make thoughtful decisions in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The story illustrates how Persephone’s choice directly affects not just her, but also the world around her, leading to the change of seasons.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider how their actions can impact others and their environment, promoting empathy and foresight.
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptation
Explanation: Despite her circumstances, Persephone adapts to her role in the underworld, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to adjust positively to changes and challenges in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Respect for authority and rules
Explanation: The story conveys the importance of respecting rules through the agreement between Hades and Demeter.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of respecting established guidelines and the reasons why rules are in place in society.