Six Just So Stories (annotated): Literature Disguised as Fun
Just So Stories Series
What’s inside...
This annotated edition of Six Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling, a Nobel Prize-winning author, includes the first six stories from his book along with original art from earlier editions, vocabulary aids, geography references, trivia, and discussion questions. Additionally, there is a biographical piece on Kipling and blank talk bubbles for creative student input. The Literature Disguised as Fun series aims to introduce students to great literature in an enjoyable manner.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-11
Length
87 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the main message of each story was?
How do the animals in the stories compare to real animals we know?
Which story was your favorite and why?
Can you think of a different ending for any of the stories?
How do you think the author came up with these stories?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the stories more lively and engaging.
After reading each story, pause to discuss the morals and lessons, relating them to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss their artwork and the story’s themes.
Create a fun quiz for your child based on the stories to reinforce comprehension and memory.
Ask your child to imagine and describe a new adventure for one of the characters. This helps develop creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Differences
Explanation: The stories in 'Six Just So Stories' often spotlight unique traits of animals, such as the camel's hump or the leopard's spots. These are used as allegorical tools to teach children how differences make each creature special.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and celebrate individual differences in themselves and others, promoting acceptance and diversity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity and Asking Questions
Explanation: Characters in the stories frequently question the world around them. This natural curiosity leads to adventures and learning.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to inquire and learn about their surroundings, fostering a lifelong love for knowledge and discovery.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Each story often has a moral about the consequences of the characters’ actions, good or bad. These narratives help in imparting lessons on cause and effect.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think about the outcomes of their actions and to make responsible choices.
Example Lesson: Value of Persistence
Explanation: Many tales demonstrate characters overcoming challenges through determination and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to persist in the face of difficulties, emphasizing that hard work and resilience are keys to success.