The House with Golden Windows
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
In 'The House with Golden Windows', young readers follow Sam and his wise grandmother on a journey to discover the true meaning of happiness, emphasizing that genuine wealth stems from love, family, and imagination, not material possessions. 'The Emperor' narrates the tale of a ruler in a golden palace who remains unhappy and constantly seeks more. Upon sighting a house with golden windows across the valley, he becomes fixated on acquiring it. Both stories, crafted to enhance children's independent reading skills, combine captivating narratives with stunning illustrations, graded to match different reading abilities, promoting reading for pleasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the golden windows represent in the story?
How do you feel about the journey the main character takes? What would you do differently?
Why do you think the main character was searching for the house with golden windows?
What did the main character learn at the end of the story? Have you ever had a similar realization?
How do you think the story would change if it was set near where we live?
Tip: Role play these questions
As you read 'The House with Golden Windows' with your child, emphasize the emotional journey of the characters. Ask your child to imagine themselves in the character’s shoes, which can help in understanding their feelings and decisions. Use the picturesque descriptions in the book to ask your child to visualize and perhaps draw their interpretation of the golden windows. This not only makes the reading process interactive but also enhances their comprehension and creative thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of gratitude
Explanation: Through the protagonist’s journey, children see how appreciating the simple things brings joy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be thankful for everyday blessings, fostering a positive attitude.
Example Lesson: Understanding empathy
Explanation: The story shows characters demonstrating care and understanding towards each other’s feelings.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to consider others' emotions and perspectives, promoting kindness in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of persistence
Explanation: The main character faces challenges but learns that perseverance leads to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to keep trying despite difficulties, instilling resilience and goal-achievement skills.