The Story of King Arthur
What’s inside...
A stunning retelling of the classic tales of King Arthur by award winning team of author Siân Lewis and illustrator Graham Howells. This luxurious, colourful, hardback edition includes all of the famous tales of King Arthur and Camelot - The Quest for the Holy Grail, Merlin's Dream and The Battle of Camlan.
Age
3-8
Length
143 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make King Arthur a good leader?
How do the characters in the story show courage and bravery?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision, like some of the characters in the book?
Why is it important to have trust and loyalty in friendships, as shown in the story?
How would you have handled the situations faced by the characters differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, provide a brief background about the legend of King Arthur to set the stage for your child.
As you read, pause at pivotal moments in the story and ask your child to predict what might happen next, enhancing their analytical thinking.
After reading a chapter, relate the themes or moral lessons to real-life situations that your child might encounter, making the content more relatable.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the characters' relationships and their own friendships, deepening their understanding of interpersonal dynamics.
Ask your child to share what they admired about the characters and discuss how those traits can be inspirational in their own lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The story of King Arthur showcases his fearless attitude and willingness to face challenges, particularly highlighted in his quest to find the Holy Grail.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges courageously, whether it’s trying something new or standing up for what's right in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Leadership and responsibility
Explanation: King Arthur's role as a leader of the Knights of the Round Table emphasizes the importance of being responsible and making wise decisions for the benefit of all.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of taking responsibility in group settings, like working on school projects or participating in team sports.
Example Lesson: Justice and fairness
Explanation: The establishment of the Round Table was a symbol of equality, where every knight, including King Arthur, had an equal say, reflecting a commitment to justice and fair treatment.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing fairness and equality in their interactions with peers, ensuring everyone gets a turn and is heard.
Example Lesson: The importance of wisdom
Explanation: King Arthur often sought the counsel of Merlin the wizard, demonstrating the value of wisdom and guidance from knowledgeable figures.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to seek advice from parents, teachers, or mentors when facing difficult decisions or learning new concepts.
Example Lesson: Loyalty and friendship
Explanation: The close bonds between King Arthur and his knights highlight the significance of loyalty and the strength of friendship, as they face various trials together.
Real-World Application: This underscores the importance of being a reliable and trustworthy friend in a child's everyday interactions and relationships.