The Magic Finger: (Colour Edition)
on Goodreads (42,851)
What’s inside...
The story centers around an 8-year-old girl who has a magic finger. When she gets angry, she can zap people with a flash of magic that causes various humorous and thought-provoking transformations. After becoming upset with her neighbors, the Gregg family, who are avid hunters, she uses her finger to teach them a lesson, resulting in them experiencing life from their prey's point of view. The story is now available with a new cover look and is part of Roald Dahl's audiobook collection read by famous voices, with added sound effects from Pinewood Studios. New Roald Dahl apps are also available in the App store and Google Play.
Age
6-9
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Girl
Mrs. Gregg
William Gregg
Philip Gregg
Mr. Gregg
Mr and Mrs Gregg
Discussion points
How would you feel if you had a magic power like the girl in the story? What would you do with it?
Do you think it was right for the girl to use her magic finger on the Gregg family? Why or why not?
How did the Gregg family change after experiencing life as ducks? What did they learn?
What does this story teach us about understanding and empathy towards animals?
If you could write an additional chapter to the story, what would happen next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the shoes of both the girl and the Gregg family. Discuss different perspectives to deepen their understanding of empathy.
Discuss the concept of actions and consequences with your child, tying it to the transformation experienced by the Gregg family.
Use the magical elements of the story to spark creativity in your child. Ask them to imagine their own magical power and consider the responsible ways to use it.
Connect the story's themes to real-life situations, such as treating animals with kindness and considering the impact of our actions on others. This can help internalize the morals presented.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The protagonist's ability to magically swap places with others brings a direct understanding of their feelings and circumstances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to consider how their actions affect others and develop a greater sense of empathy in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for Actions
Explanation: As the characters experience life from each other's perspective, they realize the consequences of their actions, particularly in how they treat animals.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to think about the impact of their actions on the world around them and foster a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: The Power of Forgiveness
Explanation: The story concludes with characters learning to forgive each other for past mistakes, emphasizing reconciliation.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of resolving conflicts and forgiving others, which is vital for healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Respecting Different Perspectives
Explanation: Through the magical experiences, characters in the book learn to see things from various viewpoints, recognizing that every individual has unique experiences and thoughts.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children appreciate and respect diversity in thoughts and opinions, promoting inclusivity.