Reading Champion: The Pied Piper of Hamelin
Reading champion Series
What’s inside...
In 'Reading Champion: The Pied Piper of Hamelin,' Amelia Marshall captivatingly retells the classic tale with a fresh and engaging twist. This beautifully illustrated book is designed to ignite a love for reading in young children. As part of the Reading Champion series, it not only entertains but also supports literacy development, making it a valuable addition to any child’s learning journey. While sharing the story of the Pied Piper, it subtly enhances reading skills and encourages youthful readers to engage with the plot’s moral lessons on honesty and integrity.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Pied Piper
The Mayor Of Hamelin
Discussion points
Why do you think the Pied Piper decided to lead the mice away?
How did the villagers react when the mice were gone?
What do you feel about the deal between the Pied Piper and the villagers?
What could the villagers have done differently to resolve their problem with the Piper?
How do you think the story would change if the Piper and the villagers had communicated better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by summarizing the story together to ensure your child understands the plot.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' decisions and actions, helping them connect emotionally with the story.
Ask your child to think of different endings to the story, which promotes creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Relate the story's themes to real-life situations, helping your child apply the lessons from the book to their own experiences.
Praise your child for their insights and ideas during the discussion, fostering a positive reading environment and boosting their confidence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility and keeping promises
Explanation: In the story, the Pied Piper is promised a reward for ridding the town of rats, but the town fails to uphold their end of the agreement.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of fulfilling commitments and the consequences of breaking trust.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Greed
Explanation: The townspeople's refusal to pay the Piper, driven by their greed, leads to a harsher consequence of losing their children.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that being greedy can lead to more significant negative outcomes in life.
Example Lesson: The Power of Music and the Arts
Explanation: The Piper uses his music to charm and lead the rats away, showcasing the influence and importance of art.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and explore various forms of art and understand how it can have a positive impact on society.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking and Skepticism
Explanation: The story prompts readers to question the motives of all characters and the consequences of their actions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to assess situations critically and consider potential outcomes before making decisions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The loss that the townspeople experience can teach children about the feelings of others and the impact of one's actions on them.
Real-World Application: Fosters empathy by encouraging children to consider how their actions could affect others emotionally.