The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips
on Goodreads (7,403)
What’s inside...
Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, this heart-warming tale follows Lily Tregenze, a young girl living in an idyllic seaside village. Her life is scarcely touched by the war until her family and 3000 other villagers are told to evacuate their homes for the Allied forces to practice their D-day landings. Amidst the upheaval, Lily's beloved cat, Tips, goes missing, prompting her to venture into the danger zone with the help of two American soldiers. As the story unfolds through the pages of her diary, Lily's grandson Michael discovers the profound impact of one adventurous cat on their lives, even sixty years later.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
190 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think it was important for Lily to find her cat, Tips? What does their relationship say about friendship and loyalty?
How do the events of World War II impact the characters in the story? Can you imagine how you might feel in their situation?
What lessons does the book teach about handling challenges and changes? Which character’s approach to challenges did you find most inspiring or relatable?
Boowie writes letters to his grandfather about the story of Tips – why do you think the author chose to tell the story through letters?
How do the different characters in the book show courage and kindness? Can you give examples of acts of courage and kindness you’ve seen or done yourself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to express how they might feel in the shoes of Lily or other characters during key events.
Highlight the historical context of the book. Discuss how the setting of World War II affects the characters and their actions.
Discuss the significance of relationships in the book, not just between Lily and Tips, but also among family and friends. Relate these to your child’s own life and relationships.
After discussing a question, share your own thoughts and feelings about the topic to model thoughtful engagement and show that all perspectives are valued.
Use the theme of letter writing in the book as an activity. Encourage your child to write a letter to a character in the book, discussing their thoughts or asking questions about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: The story showcases the bond between a young girl, Lily, and an evacuee, Adolphus. Through their interactions, readers learn about the challenges faced during war and the power of understanding others' hardships.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to be considerate and understanding towards friends and classmates who might be going through tough times, fostering a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: The value of resilience in challenging times
Explanation: Throughout the book, Lily faces numerous challenges, including the loss of her cat and the effects of World War II on her family. Her ability to persevere provides a model for handling adversity.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that despite difficulties, staying strong and facing problems head-on can lead to overcoming them. It encourages resilience in situations like moving to a new school or dealing with family issues.
Example Lesson: The significance of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: Lily and Adolphus, along with other characters, collaborate to overcome obstacles. This collective effort highlights the strength found in teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn that working together with others can achieve goals that seem impossible alone, applicable in group projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: The impact of historical events on personal lives
Explanation: The book is set around the events of World War II, providing a personal perspective on the impacts of global events on individual lives and communities.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of history and its effects on people, encouraging them to learn more about past events and develop a deeper understanding of the world.