The Little Mistake
#1 of 5 in Country Tales Series
What’s inside...
This series of Country Tales stories by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Cathy Fisher, explores themes of identity and personal and family issues in a rural setting. In 'The Little Mistake,' Rosie is given a sheepdog puppy that doesn't fit the typical mold of a sheepdog. When she overhears her parents refer to her as their 'little mistake,' the puppy helps her realize that not all mistakes are bad, teaching a lesson about belonging and finding one's place through interactions with animals and the natural world.
Discussion points
What do you think the little mistake was and how did it change things in the story?
How did the characters in the book react to the mistake? What would you do if you were in their place?
Why is it important to try to fix mistakes we make? Can you think of a time you fixed a mistake?
How did the characters' feelings change from the beginning to the end of the story?
What did you learn from 'The Little Mistake'? How can we apply this lesson in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Show genuine interest in their responses and encourage them to elaborate on their thoughts.
Relate the book's scenarios to real-life situations your child might encounter to make the discussion more relatable.
Ask your child to draw or act out different scenarios from the book to deepen their understanding and engagement.
Praise your child for their ideas and insights during the conversation, reinforcing their confidence in expressing themselves.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the story to foster curiosity and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Little Mistake,' the protagonist learns to take responsibility for his actions when a small error leads to unexpected consequences.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by owning up to their mistakes and understanding that their actions affect others.
Example Lesson: Value of Honesty
Explanation: Through the storyline, honesty is celebrated when the character admits to making a mistake, helping to resolve the confusion caused.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be truthful in their dealings with friends and adults, building trust and respect.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: The book illustrates that errors can be opportunities for learning, showing the main character growing wiser as the story progresses.
Real-World Application: Kids learn that mistakes are not just setbacks, but also steps to gaining new insights and improving oneself.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in Problem Solving
Explanation: When faced with the challenging scenario, the protagonist of 'The Little Mistake' shows determination to set things right, which eventually leads to a solution.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting through difficulties and not giving up when facing challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: As events unfold, the character learns to understand the perspectives of others affected by his mistake.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy by considering how their actions impact the feelings and lives of those around them.