The Neverending Story: 45th Anniversary Edition
on Goodreads (211,298)
What’s inside...
The Neverending Story is a classic tale that transports readers into the magical land of Fantastica. A young boy named Bastian discovers an enchanted book that tells the story of Atreyu, a hero tasked with saving the realm from a dark force known as The Nothing. As Bastian reads on, he realizes that his imagination has the power to change the story and the fate of Fantastica itself. Discover our collectable Puffin Clothbound Classic edition of The Neverending Story.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
510 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Bastian felt when he discovered the magical world of Fantastica?
What would you do if you were given the opportunity to rename the Childlike Empress?
Can you think of a time when you faced a challenge like Atreyu? How did you handle it?
What lesson did you learn from the characters' adventures in The Neverending Story?
If you could create a new character for Fantastica, what would they be like and what role would they play?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the themes in the book to create an open and inviting atmosphere.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask them how they would interact with the characters or situations.
Ask your child to relate the story to their personal experiences or emotions to deepen their understanding and connection to the story.
Promote creative thinking by asking your child to invent alternative endings or new plot twists for the story.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and perspective-taking, by discussing characters' responses to challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout 'The Neverending Story', the protagonist, Bastian, faces numerous challenges but continuously pushes forward, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by not giving up when faced with difficulties in school or in learning new skills.
Example Lesson: The value of imagination
Explanation: The book celebrates imagination as Bastian creates and explores the fantastical world of Fantastica through the power of his own imagination.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their creativity in play, storytelling, or problem-solving in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences of actions
Explanation: Bastian’s journey shows how his decisions impact others around him and himself, teaching accountability and foresight.
Real-World Application: It aids children in understanding that their choices have effects and encourages them to think before acting.
Example Lesson: The significance of self-discovery and personal growth
Explanation: As Bastian travels through Fantastica, he learns more about his own strengths and weaknesses, which is crucial for his character development.
Real-World Application: This can help children appreciate the journey of self-improvement and encourage them to embrace their personal growth.
Example Lesson: The strength of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, friendships provide Bastian with support and guidance, emphasizing the importance of relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships and how crucial they are in facing life's adventures.