Sylvia Long's Thumbelina
on Goodreads (155)
What’s inside...
From best-selling artist Sylvia Long comes an exquisite version of Hans Christian Andersen's beloved tale about a thumb-size girl and her larger-than-life adventures. Jewel-toned paintings depict the story's settings from light and airy meadows to Mole's dark and dismal underground home while whimsical details bring the classic cast of characters to life and make this storytime favorite a visual feast.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-10
Length
47 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Thumbelina felt when she was on her adventure? Can you describe a time you felt the same way?
Why is friendship important in Thumbelina's journey? How do you help your friends?
What are some of the challenges Thumbelina faces, and how does she overcome them?
How do the different animals in the story help Thumbelina? What does this tell us about asking for help?
If you were Thumbelina, what would you have done differently on your adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing Thumbelina's feelings, relate them to personal experiences your child may have had to create empathy and deeper understanding.
Encourage your child to think about the value of friendship by asking them to share stories of their friends and how they support each other.
Discuss the problem-solving aspect of the story, asking your child how they would handle similar challenges, boosting their critical thinking.
Highlight the theme of seeking help by discussing each animal character's role in Thumbelina's journey, reinforcing the importance of teamwork and cooperation.
Use open-ended questions that allow your child to imagine themselves in Thumbelina's world, fostering creativity and personal connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Resilience
Explanation: Thumbelina faces various challenges and unfamiliar situations bravely, showing resilience in overcoming them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face new or intimidating situations in their own lives with bravery and perseverance.
Example Lesson: Kindness to Others
Explanation: Throughout the book, Thumbelina's gentle and compassionate nature toward other characters demonstrates the value of kindness.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice empathy and kindness in their interactions with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Importance of Independence
Explanation: Thumbelina makes her own decisions and takes actions that reflect her desires, illustrating the importance of thinking and acting independently.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to express their own opinions and make choices that reflect their personal preferences.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: The story is set in a beautifully illustrated natural world that highlights the beauty of the environment around us.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and appreciate the natural world, fostering a sense of responsibility towards environmental conservation.
Example Lesson: Self-worth and Identity
Explanation: Despite being different from those around her, Thumbelina finds her own identity and place in the world, which speaks to the importance of self-acceptance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children feel confident in their individuality and embrace their unique qualities.