The Adventures of Poor Mrs. Quack
Bedtime Story-Books Series
on Goodreads (284)
What’s inside...
Thornton W Burgess was born in 1874 in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. He was known as a conservationist and writer of children's books. Burgess loved the beauty of nature so much that during a fifty-year span he wrote 170 books and 15000 stories centered on nature and animals. Peter Rabbit and Jerry Muskrat are two of his most memorable characters. An excerpt from one of his stories portrays the dangers animals face from hunters and the sympathy they receive from each other.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-14
Length
60 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Mrs. Quack feels the way she does in the story?
How do the other characters help Mrs. Quack throughout her journey?
What would you do if you were in Mrs. Quack's situation?
How do the settings in the story affect Mrs. Quack's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they relate to Mrs. Quack's feelings and experiences.
Discuss the importance of helping others, drawing examples from how characters in the book assist Mrs. Quack.
Use the story's scenarios to teach problem-solving skills by asking what your child might have done differently in Mrs. Quack's place.
Explore the descriptive language used for different settings and ask your child to imagine or draw them to enhance their comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'The Adventures of Poor Mrs. Quack,' children see how Peter Rabbit listens to Mrs. Quack’s troubles and helps her find her lost mate, demonstrating care and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn to understand others' feelings and situations, encouraging them to help friends or family members who are upset or in trouble.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Mrs. Quack faces numerous challenges but continues to search for her mate, showcasing her determination and resilience throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to persist in the face of difficulties, whether it's dealing with a personal setback or persisting with a challenging task at school.
Example Lesson: Importance of Community Support
Explanation: The story highlights how different characters like Peter Rabbit and Sammy Jay come together to help Mrs. Quack, illustrating the strength and support a community can provide.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of community and how reaching out for support or offering help within their network — be it family, friends, or neighbors — can solve problems.
Example Lesson: Caution and Awareness
Explanation: Mrs. Quack’s experiences teach readers about the dangers she faces, fostering a sense of caution and the need to be aware of one’s surroundings.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children be more observant and cautious in their daily interactions and activities, promoting safety.
Example Lesson: Hope and Optimism
Explanation: Despite her challenges, Mrs. Quack remains hopeful throughout her journey, which ultimately leads to a happy reunion.
Real-World Application: Instilling a sense of hope encourages children to remain positive and hopeful during tough times, knowing that perseverance can lead to positive outcomes.