Ronja The Robber's Daughter Illustrated
Ronja Rövardotter Series
on Goodreads (34,496)
What’s inside...
Ronja, the daughter of the robber chieftain, roams the forest but she must beware the grey dwarves and wild harpies. When she befriends Birk, the son of her father's greatest enemy, it causes uproar. Ronia and Birk can no longer be friends . . . unless they do something drastic. Like running away . . . Suddenly they are fending for themselves in the woods, but how will they survive when winter comes? And will Ronia's father ever accept her friendship with Birk so they can go home? This timeless classic story from bestselling and much-loved author, Astrid Lindgren, has been transformed by the acclaimed Studio Ghibli in a stunning TV series. This beautiful illustrated edition features artwork of the animation.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Ronja
Birk Borkason
Mattis
Lovis
Borka
Discussion points
How do you think Ronja felt when she explored the forest for the first time? What would you feel in a similar situation?
Why do you think Ronja and Birk decided to be friends despite their families being enemies?
What are some ways Ronja shows bravery throughout the story? Can you think of a time when you were brave?
How do Ronja's relationships with her parents change from the beginning to the end of the book?
If you were in Ronja’s place, would you make the same decisions she did? Why or why not?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters’ decisions, fostering emotional intelligence through empathy.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child what they would do differently if they were a character in the book.
Discuss the theme of friendship against adversities. Relate this to your child’s own experiences with friends and peers.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and overcoming differences
Explanation: Ronja forms a deep bond with Birk, the son of her father's rival, demonstrating that friendship can transcend familial disputes and societal expectations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value relationships based on mutual respect and understanding, rather than preconceived notions or external influences.
Example Lesson: Courage and independence
Explanation: Ronja learns to navigate the forest on her own, facing and overcoming various challenges, which showcases her growing independence and bravery.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore their environments, face their fears, and develop self-reliance.
Example Lesson: The significance of making moral choices
Explanation: Throughout the story, Ronja encounters situations where she must make difficult decisions that question her values and morals, such as choosing her friendship with Birk over her loyalty to her family.
Real-World Application: It demonstrates to children the importance of personal ethics and being true to oneself, even when faced with tough choices.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: Ronja's life in the forest highlights a harmonious relationship with the natural world, teaching her to understand and respect its laws and creatures.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to appreciate and care for the environment, promoting eco-conscious behaviors from a young age.
Example Lesson: Resolution of conflict through communication and understanding
Explanation: The eventual reconciliation between the rival families underscores the power of communication and empathy in resolving conflicts.
Real-World Application: Children learn that discussing problems and trying to understand others' perspectives can lead to peaceful solutions.