Tale of a One-Way Street: And Other Stories
What’s inside...
The 'Tale of a One-Way Street: And Other Stories' is a collection of short stories for children written by Joan Aiken. Each story in the collection is unique, often featuring magical or surreal elements that captivate the imagination. The title story, 'Tale of a One-Way Street,' is about a street where everything must go in one direction, leading to a series of whimsical and thought-provoking situations. The other stories in the book continue with similar themes of fantasy and adventure, showcasing Aiken's talent for creating enchanting worlds and memorable characters. The collection is known for its wit, charm, and the author's ability to infuse each tale with a sense of wonder and moral insight, making it a delightful read for both children and adults. Additionally, characters in the stories experience fantastical adventures, such as Bridget rescuing the king of the grasshoppers, Tansy discovering the moon is made of daisies, and Gus remembering extraordinary events that never occurred. This imaginative collection includes stories like 'The Lions,' 'Bridget's Hat,' and 'The Queen of the Moon,' among others.
Age
7-9
Length
127 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel about the adventures in 'Tale of a One-Way Street'? Which story was your favorite and why?
What do you think the main characters learned by the end of each story? Can you think of a time when you learned something similar?
If you could create your own story based on one of the tales, what would it be like? What new adventures might the characters go on?
How do the different settings in 'Tale of a One-Way Street' influence the story? What setting did you find the most interesting?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the stories. Listen actively without interrupting, showing that their opinions are valued.
Relate the stories to your child’s experiences. For example, ask if they've ever felt similar emotions to the characters, and how they handled them.
Discuss the moral or lesson of each story. This helps children to understand and integrate the values conveyed through the narratives.
End your reading session by asking your child to draw a scene or character from the book. This helps in reinforcing their understanding and allows them to express their creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through the quirky and richly drawn characters facing unique challenges, children learn to put themselves in others' shoes.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice empathy by considering their friends' feelings and perspectives during interactions and conflicts.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Resilience
Explanation: Characters in the stories often encounter setbacks and must find ways to overcome them, teaching children the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it’s solving a hard puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: The stories feature characters who use their imagination and creativity to solve problems, demonstrating the benefits of thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children learn to apply creativity to overcome obstacles in school projects or in resolving everyday conflicts.
Example Lesson: The Power of Kindness
Explanation: Many stories in the book highlight acts of kindness and their positive outcomes, underscoring the impact of compassion.
Real-World Application: This lesson is transferable to a child's daily life as they interact kindly with peers and adults, creating a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Value of Teamwork
Explanation: Characters often work together to achieve common goals, illustrating the importance of collaboration and mutual support.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this in group activities at school, learning to value each team member’s contribution and working cooperatively.