The Silver Curlew
illustrations by
on Goodreads (154)
What’s inside...
The Silver Curlew is a children's fantasy novel by Eleanor Farjeon, based on the English fairy tale 'Tom Tit Tot'. The story follows the youngest daughter of a poor woodcutter, who becomes Queen after unwittingly promising her firstborn to a magical creature in exchange for the ability to spin straw into silver. The creature, a curlew with silver feathers, agrees to release her from the promise if she can guess his name within a year and a day. With the help of a friendly witch and her own cleverness, the young Queen embarks on a quest to discover the curlew's name and save her child. The novel is known for its enchanting narrative, rich characters, and the blend of humor and whimsy that Farjeon brings to the traditional tale. Hardcover with unclipped dust jacket in very good condition. Jacket is slightly marked and scuffed, and edges are a little creased. Front lower board edge and spine ends are lightly bumped. Boards are clean and pages are clear throughout. LW
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the characters to make the choices they did in the story?
How do you feel about the way the story ended? Would you have ended it differently?
What lessons can we learn from the characters' adventures and challenges?
Which character do you relate to the most and why?
How do you think the magic in the story affects the characters' lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine alternative scenarios by asking, 'What if?' This helps develop creative thinking.
Before starting a new chapter, ask your child to predict what might happen next, fostering their analytical skills.
Discuss the moral dilemmas characters face to guide your child in understanding complex emotions and ethical decision-making.
After reading, relate themes or situations from the book to real-life experiences, enhancing your child’s ability to connect literature to the world around them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of courage and resilience
Explanation: In 'The Silver Curlew', the characters face various challenges and adversities, requiring bravery and perseverance to overcome them.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face their own challenges with determination, whether it’s trying out new activities or standing up for themselves and others.
Example Lesson: The value of cleverness and wit
Explanation: The protagonist uses intelligence and cunning to solve problems, highlighting the importance of quick thinking and clever strategies.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to use their intellect and creativity to navigate schoolwork, resolve conflicts, and make decisions.
Example Lesson: Consequences of actions
Explanation: Characters in the story experience consequences based on their decisions, teaching that actions have effects.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand responsibility and encourages them to think before they act, promoting accountability in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters often collaborate to achieve common goals, showcasing the strength found in working together.
Real-World Application: This lesson promotes co-operative play and teamwork skills among peers, essential in classroom projects and group activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Interactions between characters foster a sense of empathy and the importance of understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to empathize with others' feelings and viewpoints, aiding in social interactions and building strong relationships.