The Castle of Inside Out
What’s inside...
Lorina's quest to save the green people leads her into the crazy world of the Castle to meet the bureaucrat, the superviper, and farmadillo, and the terrible Piggident himself. The Castle of Inside Out is a funny, adventurous and unforgettable tale about creatures not unlike ourselves.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the castle represents in the story, and why is it important?
How do the characters in the book change over time? What events lead to these changes?
If you were Lorina, how would you help the Outlanders and why?
What lessons can we learn about fairness and equality from the story?
How does the story encourage us to think about our own world and the people in it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by discussing the title and cover of the book, asking your child what they think might happen inside the 'Castle of Inside Out'.
Encourage your child to empathize with the characters by asking how they would feel in similar situations faced by Lorina and the Outlanders.
After reading, connect the theme of the book to real-life scenarios by discussing fairness and equality in your child's own experiences.
Use examples from the book to discuss the impact of compassionate leadership and compare it to examples of leaders from the real world.
Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to imagine an alternative ending to the story and discuss the potential consequences of different actions taken by the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding others
Explanation: In 'The Castle of Inside Out,' the protagonist Lorina learns to empathize with the oppressed Grebbles, understanding their struggles and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to understand and consider the feelings of their classmates and friends, fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: The value of courage and standing up for what is right
Explanation: Lorina shows courage by challenging the unfair treatment of the Grebbles by the Ogs and embarks on a quest to bring justice.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of standing up against injustice and advocating for fairness in their own lives, whether it is stopping a bully or speaking out against unfair rules.
Example Lesson: The power of teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, Lorina collaborates with various characters to achieve common goals, highlighting that teamwork often leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn that by working together with others, whether on school projects or in sports, they can achieve greater outcomes and solve problems more efficiently.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking and questioning the status quo
Explanation: Lorina questions the existing societal norms in the story and thinks critically about the reasons behind certain rules and behaviors.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically about the world around them and to question why things are the way they are, potentially leading to innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of challenges
Explanation: Despite numerous obstacles, Lorina perseveres in her quest to help the Grebbles, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to persist in their efforts, whether in their academic pursuits, personal goals, or hobbies, even when they encounter difficulties.