The Bad Mrs. Ginger Illustrated by Honor Appleton
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
This book, originally published in 1902, tells the story of a little girl who confronts Mrs. Ginger, a malevolent cat. She is then rescued by fairies who take her to Fairyland, with the enchanting narrative brought to life by the vibrant illustrations of Honor Appleton. Pook Press has reissued this and other classic children's tales from the 1850s and earlier in high-quality, affordable editions. Honor Appleton is celebrated for her delicate watercolor illustrations, contributing to over 100 children’s books, including renowned titles like 'Alice in Wonderland' and Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales. This publication is part of the 'Dumpy Books for Children' series, featuring color illustrations on one side and short text on the opposite, spanning 95 pages with charming little drawings. Notably a rare first edition, the book has occasional spots and stains, typical of a children's book, and slight damage to the cover illustration, with a grey spine binding and a previous owner's name on the front end paper.
Discussion points
What do you think Mrs. Ginger was feeling when she did those naughty things?
Why is it important to think about how our actions affect others?
How could the story have changed if Mrs. Ginger made different choices?
Can you think of a time when you made a mistake and how you fixed it?
What do you think makes a good friend, based on the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book’s events and characters, fostering a deeper understanding of empathy and consequences. Make comparisons to real-life scenarios to help them relate the story to their own experiences. Ask them to predict alternate endings or different decisions the characters could have made, which develops critical thinking. Praise their responses to instill confidence in expressing their viewpoints.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story explores the interactions between pets and Mrs. Ginger, highlighting the importance of treating animals with kindness and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn to extend compassion and care to pets and other animals they encounter, fostering a lifelong respect for living beings.
Example Lesson: Consequences of Actions
Explanation: Mrs. Ginger's actions towards her pets lead to unintended consequences, teaching children that their actions have impacts.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of considering the outcomes of their actions in their day-to-day interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Characters in the book often face dilemmas that require creative solutions, encouraging critical thinking and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills at school or in social situations, helping them navigate challenges effectively.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: The book portrays scenarios where characters make mistakes but are also offered forgiveness, illustrating the power of understanding and second chances.
Real-World Application: Teaching children the value of forgiving others can improve their social interactions and help in building lasting relationships.