The Hobbit & The Lord of the Rings Boxed Set: Illustrated edition
Middle Earth Series
What’s inside...
This boxed set includes the classic fantasy tales 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' series ('The Fellowship of the Ring', 'The Two Towers', 'The Return of the King'). The stories follow the epic adventures of hobbits, elves, dwarves, and men as they strive to defeat the dark powers of Middle-earth, led by the Dark Lord Sauron. The journey is filled with peril, friendship, and courage, as the fate of the world hangs in the balance. The set is illustrated throughout in watercolor by the acclaimed artist Alan Lee, who was the Conceptual Designer on Peter Jackson's THE HOBBIT films.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-15
Length
1601 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Bilbo Baggins feels when he first embarks on his adventure, and how does his attitude change throughout the story?
If you were in Frodo’s place, would you be willing to take on the responsibility of the Ring? Why or why not?
What qualities do the various characters in the story possess that help them overcome challenges? Which of these qualities do you see in yourself?
How does the concept of friendship and teamwork play out in the story? Can you share an example of how working together helped the characters?
What lessons do you think we can learn about courage and bravery from the characters in these books?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your thoughts on the story or a particular character to create an open dialogue.
Encourage your child to think critically by asking them how they might act differently if faced with similar situations as characters in the book.
Discuss the significance of the setting and how it influences the characters’ actions and decisions. This can lead to deeper understanding of the story’s themes.
Relate themes from the book to real-life situations your child might encounter to help solidify their understanding and personal connection to the narrative.
Praise your child’s responses and insights during the discussion to boost their confidence and encourage a love for thoughtful reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: Throughout 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings', characters like Frodo and Bilbo Baggins demonstrate immense courage in the face of daunting challenges. Their journeys illustrate that bravery isn't about the absence of fear, but the strength to confront and overcome it.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a new sport, standing up to bullies, or speaking in front of the class. Emphasizing that bravery is about overcoming personal apprehensions can empower them in diverse situations.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: The strong bonds between characters such as Frodo and Samwise showcase the power of loyalty and friendship. Their relationships demonstrate how trust and support can overcome even the darkest times.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value and nurture their friendships. It teaches them that being a loyal and supportive friend can help navigate through tough times, enhancing both their social interactions and emotional wellbeing.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Leadership
Explanation: Characters like Aragorn and Gandalf exhibit significant growth in their leadership roles through responsibility and wise decision-making, even when choices are hard.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and the impact of their decisions on others. These stories can inspire them to be leaders in their communities, schools, or families by making thoughtful choices and standing by them.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the saga, the protagonists face numerous setbacks but consistently push forward. Their journey showcases the importance of staying the course despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal hobbies. Understanding that success often requires persistence can help instill a strong work ethic and determination.
Example Lesson: The Value of Humility
Explanation: Humble characters like Frodo, who undertake monumental tasks without seeking personal glory, underscore the significance of humility in leadership and heroism.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to accomplish tasks and help others not for praise or reward, but because it's the right thing to do. This can foster a sense of intrinsic motivation and ethical behavior in their day-to-day lives.