The Garden and the Glen: A Fable about Character and the Courage to Be Different
What’s inside...
The Garden and the Glen tells the story of a tiny blue butterfly who is cast out of a yellow garden for not blending in. She finds refuge in a nearby forest glen, meeting other woodland creatures who were also expelled for being different. The glen offers friendship and acceptance, but her true destiny lies back in the garden, where a Queen, a mystical potion, and the fate of their world depend on her unique differences. This tale underscores the magic that emerges when we embrace our individuality.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-12
Length
108 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the blue butterfly different from the others in the garden?
Why is it important for the blue butterfly to be accepted by the other creatures?
How did the other creatures in the garden change their opinions about the blue butterfly?
What would you do if you met someone who was different from everyone else?
Can you think of a time when you felt different? How did it make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about being different, reinforcing that these differences make them unique.
Relate the story to real-life situations, asking your child how they can apply the lessons from the blue butterfly in their own life.
Praise your child for insightful comments or empathetic responses to ensure they feel confident in expressing their opinions.
Use examples from the book to discuss the value of character and courage, emphasizing how these traits can lead to positive change.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The story highlights the importance of embracing one’s unique traits through the character of a blue butterfly who stands out in a world of similarly colored peers.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate their own unique qualities and those of others, fostering self-confidence and inclusivity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to Face Adversity
Explanation: The narrative encourages facing challenges bravely as demonstrated when the blue butterfly, despite feeling different, courageously helps other creatures in the glen.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of confronting difficulties directly and the impact of their actions in challenging circumstances in school or social environments.
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: Kindness is a recurrent theme, illustrated by the way the creatures in the glen eventually rally around the blue butterfly, showing support and friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of being kind to others, regardless of differences, which can improve their social interactions and foster friendships.
Example Lesson: Value of Community
Explanation: The book shows how the animals work together to overcome common threats, emphasizing the strength found in community and teamwork.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and value collaborative efforts in school projects or family activities, highlighting how teamwork leads to better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: The blue butterfly’s journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance is a powerful portrayal of resilience.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that resilience is key to overcoming personal challenges, encouraging them to persevere through their own struggles with self-esteem or peer pressure.