Tam O'Shanter
Reloaded Series
on Goodreads (11)
What’s inside...
Returning from a usual Friday night out with his friends, Tam and his horse Meg stumble upon a dark, supernatural celebration at the old kirk. What will happen when he disturbs this devil's dance? Will he escape the furious witches? This is a startling retelling of one of Robert Burns' most famous poems.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
55 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tam O'Shanter
Discussion points
What do you think Tam felt when he saw the witches and warlocks dancing?
Why is it important for Tam to get home before the bridge? How does this change the story?
How do the illustrations help you understand the mood of the poem?
What lesson do you think Tam learned by the end of the story?
If you were in Tam's place, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give your child a brief overview of the setting to help them visualize the story.
Encourage your child to describe the characters using their own words, focusing on Tam’s personality and decisions.
Pause at suspenseful moments in the story to ask your child what they think will happen next.
Discuss the significance of the setting and the historical context, which can lead to a richer understanding of the story.
After reading, relate Tam’s choices and experiences to daily life choices to make the themes more relatable to your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In the book, the protagonist learns the value of being truthful which leads to trust and respect from others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by being honest in their daily interactions, which builds strong relationships and trustworthiness.
Example Lesson: The power of perseverance
Explanation: The main character faces various challenges but continues to strive forward, demonstrating determination.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to not give up easily in the face of difficulties, whether it's completing a tough assignment or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Empathy towards others
Explanation: The story showcases the protagonist's journey to understanding and sharing the feelings of others, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can practice putting themselves in their peers’ shoes, enhancing their social interactions and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The consequences of actions
Explanation: Each action taken by the characters in the book has a consequence, teaching the concept of cause and effect.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand that their choices have impacts and encourages them to think before acting.