The Path of Finn McCool: A Bloomsbury Reader: Brown Book Band
Bloomsbury Readers Series
What’s inside...
This enchanting tale follows the journey of Finn McCool, a young boy with dreams of becoming a great warrior. As Finn embarks on a quest filled with magical creatures and ancient challenges, he discovers the true meaning of bravery and wisdom. In another story based on Irish mythology, Finn McCool, the largest giant in Ireland, tries to find a bigger giant across the sea in Scotland. However, his plans backfire and his wife Oona must save the day when the Scottish giant follows Finn home. This humorous account is depicted by award-winning author Sally Prue with delightful black-and-white illustrations by Brendan Kearney. Part of the Bloomsbury Readers series, this story supports children in Key Stage 2 to develop independent reading skills, supplemented by online guided reading notes from the CLPE.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
81 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Finn McCool a hero in the story?
How did Finn McCool's actions affect the other characters?
Can you think of a time when you had to solve a problem like Finn McCool did?
What would you have done differently if you were in Finn McCool’s shoes?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, enhancing empathy and understanding of the characters' decisions. Ask open-ended questions that relate the themes of the book to your child's own experiences, fostering deeper personal connections. Highlight the moral and values demonstrated in the story, prompting your child to think about how they apply those lessons in their own life. Use expressive reading techniques, changing your tone and volume to match the narrative, making the story more dynamic and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Bravery and Courage
Explanation: The tale of Finn McCool beautifully illustrates the virtue of bravery as Finn faces various challenges on his journey. His courage is palpable as he navigates through obstacles to achieve his goals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges courageously, whether it's trying out new activities, standing up for themselves, or coping with changes in life.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Finn McCool encounters problems that he must solve using his wit and intelligence. His ability to think critically and creatively helps him to navigate tricky situations.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to use their thinking skills to solve problems they encounter at school with peers, at home, or in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Finn displays resilience by bouncing back from setbacks and continuing to pursue his quest, regardless of the difficulties he faces.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of perseverance and resilience in achieving personal goals or overcoming daily obstacles.
Example Lesson: Leadership
Explanation: Finn takes initiative and often leads by example, showing qualities of a good leader. His decisions and actions influence those around him positively.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take initiative in group settings, be it in classroom projects or during team sports, displaying leadership and influencing others positively.