Smurfs #8: The Smurf Apprentice, The (The Smurfs Graphic Novels, 8)
#7 in Les Schtroumpfs / The Smurfs Series
What’s inside...
A smurf wants to emulate Papa Smurf and decides to practice magic. The smurf sneaks into Gargamel's lab and steals instructions for a magic potion, but mistakenly drinks it and turns into a monstrous lizard. Now feared by all the Smurfs, it's up to Papa Smurf to create an antidote, or the Smurfs might be seeing green forever. The book also includes the stories 'Smurftraps' and 'Halloween.'
Discussion points
How did the Smurf Apprentice feel when he made his own magic? What would you do in his place?
What does this story teach us about the importance of patience and learning from others?
The Smurfs all have different roles and skills. Which Smurf would you want to be, and why?
How did the Smurfs solve their problems in the story? Can you think of a time when you solved a problem with your friends or family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts about the Smurf Apprentice's decisions, guiding them to understand the consequences of those decisions.
Discuss the value of learning and mastering skills over time, relating it to new activities or hobbies your child may want to undertake.
Relate the different Smurfs' roles to real life, asking your child what roles they play in their own family, school, or friend groups.
After reading, engage in a creative activity where you and your child can create a new Smurf character with unique skills and a backstory.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In the story, a young Smurf expresses a desire to become a sorcerer and borrows a magic book without permission, leading to chaotic results. This demonstrates the importance of responsibility in handling powerful tools or knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of asking for permission and understanding the responsibilities that come with gaining new skills or privileges, such as using the internet or handling a pet.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: The young Smurf's misuse of magic causes trouble for all the Smurfs, illustrating how one's actions can have wide-reaching effects.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that their actions, good or bad, can affect others around them, encouraging them to think before they act.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: After seeing the consequences of his actions, the Smurf Apprentice works to rectify his mistakes, showing that mistakes are part of the learning process.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to acknowledge their mistakes, learn from them, and understand that making errors is a natural part of learning and growing.
Example Lesson: The Value of Patience
Explanation: The Smurf realizes that becoming a sorcerer requires time and patience, highlighting the rewards of persistent effort over time.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of patience in mastering new skills or working towards long-term goals, such as learning a musical instrument or a new sport.
Example Lesson: Understanding Limits
Explanation: The story shows that some things are beyond one's control or abilities, teaching the Smurfs to recognize and respect their limits.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and that it’s okay to ask for help when facing challenges beyond their current capabilities.