The Glass Mountain: Tales from Poland
What’s inside...
Jan Pienkowski brings traditional Polish fairy tales to life with vibrant and witty paper-cut illustrations. Dragons and kings, frogs and spells, witches and mermaids all the hallmark characters of traditional Polish fairy tales are found in this magical collection. Jan Pienkowski draws on a distinctive cut-paper technique learned as a child in Poland to produce dramatic and vibrant illustrations for eight time-honored stories. Celebrating honesty, loyalty, and creativity, stories such as 'The Krakow Dragon' and 'The Warsaw Mermaid' will captivate today's child as much as they did young Jan during his childhood. A pronunciation guide assists the reader with Polish place and character names.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
104 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the characters learned at the end of the story?
How would you feel if you were in the place of the main character?
What is one way you would change the story, and why?
Which character did you like the most, and what qualities did you admire about them?
How do you think the setting influenced the events in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Read with enthusiasm and use different voices for different characters to make the storytelling lively.
Pause after dramatic moments to discuss the child's thoughts and predictions about what will happen next.
Relate themes or situations from the story to the child's personal experiences to deepen their connection to the material.
Encourage the child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
After reading, ask the child to draw their favorite scene or character, helping them express their understanding of the book visually.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: In 'The Glass Mountain: Tales from Poland', characters often face difficult challenges that they overcome through continuous effort and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their own challenges, like learning a new skill or solving a problem, by not giving up easily and persisting through difficulties.
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: Characters in the stories show compassion and kindness towards others, which often leads to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to practice kindness in their daily interactions with friends and family, reinforcing the idea that treating others well is rewarding.
Example Lesson: Consequences of deceit
Explanation: Some tales in the book highlight negative outcomes when characters engage in deceitful behavior.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of honesty and being truthful in real-world situations, such as in school or with friends.
Example Lesson: Respect for diverse cultures
Explanation: The book is a collection of Polish folktales, providing an opportunity for children to learn about and respect cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing interest and respect towards different cultural traditions and practices they encounter.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Characters often confront and overcome fears, showcasing bravery.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of facing their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, performing on stage, or standing up for what is right.