The Royal Rabbits of London (1)
#1 of 5 in The Royal Rabbits Of London Series
What’s inside...
The Royal Rabbits of London series by Santa Montefiore, Simon Sebag Montefiore, and illustrator Kate Hindley follows the adventure of Shylo, the smallest and weakest rabbit in his family, as he discovers a plot by the ratzis to embarrass the Queen. Despite being ridiculed by his siblings, Shylo bravely travels to London to warn the Royal Rabbits, a secret society dedicated to protecting the royal family. The story is packed with fun, fantasy, and adventure, emphasizing that even the smallest hero can make a big difference.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Shylo a brave rabbit?
How do the rabbits in the story work together to solve problems?
What would you do if you were Shylo and overheard a big secret?
How can small actions make a big difference, as shown in the book?
What have you learned about courage and friendship from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use open-ended questions to encourage your child to think deeply about the characters and plot.
Discuss the concept of bravery and teamwork as depicted in the book, relating it to real-life situations your child might face.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the world of the Royal Rabbits, asking what role they would like to play.
Bring attention to the book’s illustrations to help deepen your child's understanding and engagement with the story.
After discussing, encourage creative activities like drawing their favorite scene or writing a short story about another adventure for Shylo.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The story showcases Shylo, a small rabbit who musters the courage to warn the Royal Rabbits of London about a threat to the queen. Despite his fears and size, Shylo takes brave steps to protect others.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of facing their fears and standing up for what is right, even when it's intimidating. It encourages them to be brave in situations like speaking up against bullying or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, Shylo collaborates with the Royal Rabbits to thwart the plans against the queen. This highlights how working together can achieve greater results than working alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of cooperation and working with others to achieve common goals, which is applicable in school projects, sports teams, and family activities.
Example Lesson: Self-Belief and Perseverance
Explanation: Shylo, despite being the smallest and least likely hero, believes in his abilities and persists through challenges. His journey illustrates the power of self-belief and perseverance in overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children learn to trust in their capabilities and persist through difficulties, whether in academics, hobbies, or personal challenges, reinforcing resilience and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Judging by Character, Not Appearance
Explanation: Shylo, though underestimated because of his small size, proves to be a pivotal character. This teaches that true worth and abilities are not determined by outward appearances.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of evaluating others based on their actions and character rather than their looks or first impressions, promoting inclusivity and fairness.