The Man Who Sold His Shadow: Small Book (Pelican Big Books)
#2 in Pelican Big Books Series
on Goodreads (5)
What’s inside...
Part of the 'Pelican Big Books' series, this story focuses on the moral and underlying theme, discussing character changes over time and their significance. Written for the shared reading portion of the literacy hour, it supports the genre requirements of the National Literacy Strategy. Teacher's notes included at the back of each Big Book provide ideas for text, sentence, and word level activities. Smaller versions of the Big Books allow for follow-up work in groups, with teacher's notes offering ideas for group work.
Discussion points
How do you think the man felt after selling his shadow?
What would you do if you were offered something valuable in exchange for something you own?
Why do you think shadows are important to people in the story?
What did you learn about making decisions and the consequences that follow?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on the man’s decision to sell his shadow, to encourage open dialogue.
Ask your child to draw what they imagine life would be like without a shadow and discuss their drawing.
Relate the story to personal experiences where decisions had important consequences, to make the themes more relatable.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts to encourage their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of integrity
Explanation: In 'The Man Who Sold His Shadow,' the protagonist learns the hard way that compromising one's moral values for personal gain can lead to regret and unhappiness. This is demonstrated when the man sells his shadow, which represents his essence or soul, for material benefits but ends up feeling incomplete and remorseful.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of staying true to their values and ethics, even when faced with tempting offers or peer pressure. It can help them make principled decisions and resist compromising their integrity for short-term gains.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: The story explores the concept of every action having a consequence. As the man deals with the life-altering implications of his decision to sell his shadow, children see how choices can irrevocably affect one's life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think ahead about the possible effects of their actions on their lives and on others. This can encourage them to make more thoughtful, considerate choices in their interactions and behaviors.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, various characters react differently to the man without his shadow, showcasing a range of human emotions and judgments. This helps illustrate the importance of empathy and understanding towards others who may appear different or make unorthodox decisions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child's everyday life by promoting inclusivity and kindness. It encourages children to be empathetic towards their peers and to strive to understand different perspectives before making judgments.
Example Lesson: The significance of personal identity
Explanation: The loss of his shadow leads the man to a profound identity crisis, symbolizing how integral personal identity is to one's sense of self. The story conveys that personal identity should be cherished and safeguarded.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate and embrace their unique qualities and characteristics. It teaches them the importance of self-awareness and being true to themselves amidst external influences and societal expectations.
Example Lesson: Resilience and recovery
Explanation: Despite his initial despair, the man eventually seeks to regain his shadow, demonstrating resilience and the ability to recover from mistakes. This subplot serves as a powerful message of hope and redemption.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of resilience in overcoming life’s challenges and mistakes. It equips them with the mindset to face setbacks positively and understand that recovery is always possible with effort and determination.