The Misadventures of Frederick
on Goodreads (78)
What’s inside...
The Misadventures of Frederick is a poetic and playful tale that celebrates the joys of going outside and having adventures. Set in a mansion surrounded by lakes and forests, the story follows Frederick, a boy who leads a sheltered life and is afraid of getting hurt. When Emily invites him to play outside, he initially refuses, preferring to stay safely indoors. However, Emily's persistence leads to a series of funny and evocative letters between the two, weaving together Emily's colorful, adventurous world with Frederick's life of boredom and safety. Beautifully illustrated by Emma Chichester Clark, this picture book is a celebration of overcoming fear and embracing new experiences.
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Frederick
Emily
Frederick'S Mother
Discussion points
What do you think Frederick felt when he received the letters from Emily?
How do you think the story would change if Frederick didn't go on any adventures?
What was your favorite adventure that Frederick went on and why?
How did Emily help Frederick feel braver?
If you could write a letter to Frederick, what would you say to encourage him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters and their adventures. Use expressive questions to delve deeper into the emotional and moral aspects of the story. Relate the experiences of Frederick to your child’s own life, asking them how they might react in similar scenarios. This not only enhances comprehension but also empathy and decision-making skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: Through the correspondence between Frederick and Emily, the book showcases how sharing adventures can cement a strong friendship.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of maintaining relationships through communication and shared experiences, which can be applied in making and keeping friends at school or in their neighborhoods.
Example Lesson: Encouragement of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: Emily’s invitations encourage Frederick to step out of his comfort zone and explore the world around him, showing the joy and growth that comes from experiencing new things.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be open to new experiences, whether trying out a new activity at school or exploring a new park, fostering a spirit of discovery.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: The playful and imaginative scenarios in Emily's letters help Frederick visualize and eventually partake in adventures, highlighting the boundless possibilities of imagination.
Real-World Application: Children will understand the importance of creativity and imagination, which can be beneficial in problem-solving and creative projects in school and daily life.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Frederick initially hesitates but gradually braves the outside world, illustrating the triumph over personal fears through courage and encouragement from friends.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears, such as trying out for a sports team, participating in a school play, or speaking in front of a class.