The Sleeping Lady
What’s inside...
To many people who gaze across Cook Inlet from Anchorage, Alaska, Mount Susitna looks like a slumbering woman. The Sleeping Lady is a modern-day folk legend that accounts for both Alaska's first snowfall and for the origin of this beautiful mountain. It is also a classic tale about a time of peace and the consequences of war. Enchanting oil paintings by artist Elizabeth Johns capture the village life of the giant people, a prehistoric, peace-loving group and the drama that ensues when they must face a band of menacing warriors. The tale centers on the fate of the story's two betrothed lovers, Nekatla and Susitna, whose encounters with war bring a lasting change to the land and their people. Cloaked in snow in winter and wildflowers in summer, Mount Susitna embodies the hope for peace so relevant at any age. As much a mythical explanation for natural phenomena as it is a tale about a time when people lived in harmony with nature and each other.
Discussion points
Why do you think the Sleeping Lady sleeps? What do you imagine she dreams about?
How do the characters in the story feel about the Sleeping Lady? How would you feel if you were part of the story?
What does the landscape around the Sleeping Lady look like? Can you describe how the author makes it magical?
What lesson can we learn from the way the community treats the Sleeping Lady?
If you could ask the Sleeping Lady one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive voices for different characters to make the reading session interactive and lively.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own version of the Sleeping Lady's landscape, enriching their engagement with the story.
After reading, connect the story's themes to real-life situations to help the child apply the moral lessons.
Pause at suspenseful moments to predict what might happen next, fostering critical thinking and anticipation.
Discuss the illustrations in detail, asking the child what they notice and like about the artwork, to enhance visual literacy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'The Sleeping Lady,' characters work together to solve the mystery of the mountain, demonstrating the power of collaborative effort.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in team activities at school or in sports, learning to cooperate and value each other's input.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and exploration
Explanation: The book encourages exploring new places and asking questions, as the characters venture through the Alaskan wilderness.
Real-World Application: Kids can be motivated to learn more about their own environment, ask questions, and embark on field trips, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Respect for nature
Explanation: As the story unfolds in the Alaskan setting, it highlights the beauty and importance of the natural world and the need to respect it.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take part in outdoor activities and learn about environmental conservation to develop an appreciation for nature.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: The characters face various challenges on their journey, but their determination helps them to overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting in the face of difficulties, whether it's finishing a tough homework assignment or learning a new skill.