The Birds' Christmas Carol (Illustrated)
illustrations by
on Goodreads (1,985)
What’s inside...
Kate Douglas Wiggin (1856-1923) was an American educator and author of children's stories, best known for Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. The Birds' Christmas Carol is about the Christmas-born Carol Bird who is very sweet-tempered but bedridden by age 10 and not expected to live much longer. However, she is busy making plans for a Christmas celebration for the nine Ruggles children, a poor, working-class family living nearby. This wistful moral tale about a saintly child is enlivened by many humorous scenes, particularly those concerning the home life of the Ruggles family.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-12
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Carol felt when she planned the Christmas celebration for the Ruggles family?
What do you think makes Carol happy despite her illness?
Why is it important to help others and share what we have, like Carol did?
How do you think the celebration changed the way the Ruggles family felt about Christmas?
If you were Carol, what would you have done differently or the same for the Ruggles family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Carol's shoes, promoting empathy and understanding of other's situations. Ask them how they can apply Carol's spirit of giving and kindness in their own lives. Highlight the joy derived from selfless acts and nurturing relationships, as depicted in the book. Discuss the importance of community and helping those in need, drawing parallels between the story and real-life situations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The protagonist, Carol, shows deep compassion for others despite her own challenges. Her desire to brighten the lives of less fortunate children during Christmas exemplifies her empathetic nature.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of understanding and sharing the feelings of others, encouraging them to support and care for their peers.
Example Lesson: Generosity
Explanation: Carol embodies generosity by using her own resources to bring joy to others. She organizes a Christmas celebration for a poor family, focusing on their happiness over her own.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to be generous and think about ways they can contribute to their community, especially during festive seasons or times of need.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Despite her illness, Carol remains cheerful and determined to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Her strength and perseverance are evident as she plans the Christmas celebration.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to maintain a positive outlook and continue to pursue meaningful goals, even when facing personal challenges or setbacks.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Giving
Explanation: The happiness Carol experiences in giving to others highlights the intrinsic rewards of generosity. The story illustrates how giving not only benefits the receiver but also brings joy to the giver.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that true happiness often comes from making others happy, promoting a culture of giving and selflessness in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Family and Community Bonds
Explanation: The story showcases the importance of family and community support, as seen through the interactions between Carol, her family, and the neighbors. These relationships provide a network of care and assistance.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to value and nurture relationships within their family and community can foster a supportive and interconnected environment.