The Legend of the Christmas Rose
on Goodreads (944)
What’s inside...
The Legend of the Christmas Rose is a captivating tale by Selma Ottilia Lovisa Lagerlöf, the first female Nobel Prize winner in Literature. Set in Ovid Cloister and revolving around Abbot Hans' herb garden, the story unfolds when an old woman intrudes into the garden. Published by Forgotten Books, this edition aims to preserve the original work while addressing imperfections found in aged copies. This culturally significant work, now in the public domain in the USA, has been selected by scholars for its importance in understanding human civilization and is reproduced for public accessibility.
Age
8-12
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Robber Mother
Abbot
Discussion points
What do you think the Christmas Rose symbolizes in the story?
How do you feel about the actions of the main characters? What would you have done in their place?
What lessons do you think the story teaches about kindness and forgiveness?
How did the characters change from the beginning to the end of the book?
Why is the setting important in this story? How does it affect the characters and events?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to connect the themes of the book to their own life. Ask them to share any personal experiences that relate to the story.
Discuss the moral and ethical decisions characters face. This helps children understand complex emotions and develop empathy.
Have your child predict what might happen next in the story to develop their analytical thinking skills.
Use the illustrations in the book as a conversation starter. Ask about the colors, shapes, and what they might mean for the story.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character. Discuss their drawing and how it relates to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of generosity
Explanation: In 'The Legend of the Christmas Rose,' the protagonist demonstrates generosity by giving valuable gifts, even when it means giving up something precious to herself.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of sharing and selflessness, which can help them develop empathy and improve their relationships with peers.
Example Lesson: The power of forgiveness
Explanation: The story showcases characters who forgive others, emphasizing the healing power of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to let go of grudges and anger, fostering a more forgiving attitude towards classmates and family members.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters in the book display courage when facing difficult circumstances, which helps them overcome challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own challenges with bravery, whether it's trying something new or standing up for what is right.
Example Lesson: The beauty of nature
Explanation: The story is rich in descriptions of the natural world, encouraging an appreciation for its beauty and significance.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore the outdoors, engage in environmental conservation, and observe the natural world with curiosity and respect.