The Snow Lambs by Debi Gliori (1996-10-01)
Scholastic bookfiles Series
on Goodreads (98)
What’s inside...
It's a snowy, blowy night, and a little boy called Sam can't sleep. He's worrying about his sheepdog, Bess. She helped to herd in the sheep this evening, and then she disappeared, and now there's a big storm approaching. When Bess the sheepdog goes missing on a snowy, blowy night, Sam worries, until Bess returns with Dad's best ewe, who had been lost in the storm and who gives birth to twin lambs later that evening.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Bess felt when she realized the lambs were missing?
Why is it important to help others, just like Bess helped the lambs?
What would you do if you were in a similar situation as Bess?
How do you think the story would have changed if Bess had not found the lambs?
What did you learn about bravery and responsibility from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they would feel in Bess’s shoes, discussing the emotions and decisions involved.
Use the story as an opportunity to teach responsibility and the importance of helping others, drawing parallels to situations in your child's life.
Prompt your child to think critically by asking what they might have done differently and why.
Discuss the outcome of the story and whether your child thinks it was a good resolution, encouraging them to consider alternative endings.
Reinforce the themes of the book by connecting them with real-life examples of bravery and leadership.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The main character, Bess, shows concern for the lost sheep, expressing empathy for their plight.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others, helping them to develop stronger social connections and compassion.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Bess takes on the responsibility of searching for the missing lambs despite challenges, demonstrating accountability.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of taking responsibility for their tasks and being dependable in their actions.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Despite the harsh weather conditions, Bess bravely ventures out to find the lambs, showcasing her courage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and tackle difficult situations with bravery, just as Bess does.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Bess uses her knowledge and resources to navigate the storm and find the lambs, highlighting her problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively to solve problems they encounter in daily life.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Bess persists in her quest despite numerous obstacles, exemplifying perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of persisting in their efforts to achieve goals, regardless of the difficulties they face.