The Liszts
on Goodreads (791)
What’s inside...
The Liszts make lists for everything, organizing their daily lives into usual and unusual lists for every season except on listless Sundays. The family, including Mama Liszt, Papa Liszt, Winifred, Edward, Frederick, Grandpa, and even their cat, all make lists. However, their routine is disrupted when an unexpected visitor arrives, someone not included on any of their lists. The story follows how the Liszts adapt to this surprise, capturing the essence of spontaneity through Kyo Maclear's engaging narrative and Júlia Sardà's vibrant illustrations.
Age
5-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Littlest Liszt
The Visitor
Frederick Liszt
Papa Liszt
Winifred Liszt
Mama Liszt
Discussion points
What do you think the Liszts family loves most about making lists, and why do you think it's important to them?
How do you feel about the stranger who arrives, and how does he change the way the Liszts view their lists?
If you could create a list like the Liszts, what would you put on it and why?
What did you learn about handling unexpected events from the Liszts’ story?
How do the different characters react to changes, and what does that tell us about them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child to describe their favorite part of the story and why it stood out to them. This opens up a natural dialogue about the book's themes.
Encourage your child to draw a list similar to the ones the Liszts create in the book, which can then be used as a basis for discussing what’s important to them and why.
Discuss the emotions the characters might be feeling at different points in the story, especially when the stranger arrives, to enhance empathy and understanding of the narrative.
Relate the story to personal experiences where an unexpected event changed plans, helping your child connect with the story on a personal level.
Finally, emphasize the value of flexibility and openness to new experiences, as shown by the Liszts’ reactions, to help your child understand how to adapt to changes positively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of adaptability
Explanation: The Liszts showcases a family that is stuck in their routine of making lists until a mysterious visitor arrives. This event teaches them to embrace unpredictability and change.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more flexible and adaptable when unexpected situations arise in their lives, helping them to navigate changes more smoothly.
Example Lesson: Value of curiosity and open-mindedness
Explanation: As the family interacts with the stranger, their curiosity grows, leading them to learn new things and change their perspective. This highlights the benefits of being open to new experiences and ideas.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to ask questions, explore new hobbies, and be receptive to new ideas from peers and adults, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: The importance of family communication
Explanation: The unexpected visitor in the story prompts the Liszts to communicate more openly with each other, which strengthens their familial bond.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to express their thoughts and feelings openly with family members, enhancing relationships and mutual understanding at home.
Example Lesson: Learning to prioritize
Explanation: The family learns that not everything can be captured in a list and some experiences are more valuable than others. This teaches prioritization.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by learning to distinguish between what is urgent and important in their daily activities and responsibilities, improving their decision-making skills.