The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess
What’s inside...
The Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess is a children's book by Tom Gauld that recounts the story of two royal siblings created by magic. The wooden robot, a devoted brother, embarks on a quest to find his sister, the log princess, who turns into a log each night and goes missing one day. Along his journey, he meets various fairy-tale creatures and faces numerous challenges. This heartwarming tale explores themes of love, determination, identity, transformation, and persistence, accompanied by enchanting illustrations and a whimsical narrative. The book is celebrated as a New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book of the Year, imparting valuable lessons about family and the courage to overcome obstacles.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the adventure the Little Wooden Robot and the Log Princess went on? How would you feel if you were on a similar journey?
Why do you think the Little Wooden Robot continued to search for the Log Princess even when it seemed hopeless?
How did the characters show their care for each other? Can you think of a time you helped a friend or a friend helped you?
What are some of the challenges the characters faced? How did they overcome them?
What would you do if you were in the Log Princess's situation when she turned into a log? How would you signal for help?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive and animated tones when discussing the characters’ journeys to make the conversation lively and engaging.
Ask your child to draw parallels between the challenges faced by the characters and some they have encountered in their own lives.
Encourage your child to share their feelings and thoughts about the characters’ decisions, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Highlight moments in the story where perseverance and hope led to positive outcomes, reinforcing these values.
Wrap up your discussion by asking your child what lesson they think the story tells, guiding them to reflect on the moral of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Little Wooden Robot faces various challenges in his quest to find the Log Princess, but he never gives up. This demonstrates the value of persistence in achieving goals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to keep trying in the face of difficulties, whether it's solving a tough math problem or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: The power of love and loyalty
Explanation: The Little Wooden Robot's unyielding dedication to finding the Log Princess showcases the depth of his loyalty and love. This highlights the strength of bonds formed through genuine care and commitment.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to cherish and remain loyal to their friendships and family relationships, motivating them to act with love and integrity.
Example Lesson: Creativity in problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist employs various creative methods to overcome obstacles during his journey. This illustrates that thinking outside the box can lead to successful outcomes when faced with challenges.
Real-World Application: Kids can be inspired to use their imagination to navigate problems at school or in social situations, understanding that there are many ways to reach a solution.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: At several points, the Little Wooden Robot teams up with others to advance his quest. These moments highlight how collaboration can be crucial to overcoming hurdles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of cooperating with others, understanding that teamwork can often make tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Example Lesson: Accepting differences
Explanation: The characters in the tale, including the main protagonists, have their unique traits and abilities. The story celebrates these differences, showing that diversity is a strength.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to embrace individual differences in their peers and learn the importance of inclusivity and acceptance in their community.