Sir Small and the Dragonfly (Step into Reading)
Sir Small Series
What’s inside...
When a dragonfly swoops over the town of Pee Wee and carries Lady Teena away, brave Sir Small rides off on his trusty ant vowing to rescue her. Illus. in full color. The tallest person is no taller than a toothpick in the town of Pee Wee, and when Lady Teena is abducted by a dragonfly, a tiny knight, riding his trusty ant, rescues the miniature maiden. This is a hit—an engagingly humorous storyline (set in very large type) features simple words and only a sentence or two per page. — Booklist. From the Trade Paperback edition.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sir Small
Queen
Dragonfly
Discussion points
Why do you think Sir Small went on the adventure to save Lady Teena?
What would you do if you were in Sir Small's place when he met the dragonfly?
How do you think Sir Small felt during his adventure? Can you think of a time you felt the same way?
What did you learn from Sir Small's bravery and cleverness?
How did the characters in the story help each other? Why is helping others important?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Sir Small's world, asking them how they might feel or react in similar situations. Highlight the values of courage and kindness discussed in the story. Use expressive reading to make the characters and scenes come alive, which can enhance understanding and empathy from the child’s perspective. After reading, connect the themes of the story to real-life situations, fostering practical learning and moral development.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in facing challenges
Explanation: In the story, Sir Small confronts a dragonfly to save Lady Teena. His bravery despite his small size teaches children that courage is not determined by physical stature.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by facing their fears, whether it's trying a new activity or standing up for themselves or others.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Sir Small creatively uses his surroundings and his wits to tackle the problems he faces, demonstrating the importance of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to find innovative solutions during conflicts or challenges at school or in play.
Example Lesson: Helpfulness towards others
Explanation: The protagonist's journey highlights his intent to help Lady Teena, showcasing the value of assisting those in need.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to extend help to peers, family, and community, building a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Despite numerous obstacles, Sir Small remains determined to rescue Lady Teena, underscoring the importance of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to persist with their studies or mastering new skills, even when they find it difficult.
Example Lesson: Respect for all creatures
Explanation: Sir Small treats even the formidable dragonfly with respect, showing that every creature has its place and role.
Real-World Application: This can teach children to respect animals and people around them, fostering a sense of empathy and coexistence.