The Storyteller's Secrets
What’s inside...
The Storyteller's Secrets is a collection of poems and stories that celebrate the power of storytelling. Author Tony Mitton weaves together tales of adventure, mystery, and imagination, inviting readers to embark on a journey through the magic of words. With vivid imagery and lyrical language, this book captures the essence of storytelling and the joy of sharing tales with others. When twins Toby and Tess meet a mysterious old traveller, they're fascinated by his magical tales of far-off places, strange enchantments and unbelievable miracles. Each time he visits the village he brings them a new tale and a special story-reminder from the bundle that he carries on his back.
Age
6-9
Length
128 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the storyteller shared his stories? How do you think stories help people understand each other better?
Which story in the book was your favorite and why?
How did the characters in the stories solve their problems? Can you think of a time when you solved a problem in a similar way?
What would you have done differently if you were one of the characters in the book?
How do you think the storyteller felt when sharing his secrets with others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by sharing your own thoughts on the book to model deep thinking and openness. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the stories and characters, validating their opinions to foster a supportive conversation environment. Ask them to relate themes or scenarios from the book to their own experiences to help them connect personally with the content. Use the discussion to explore broader life lessons, such as empathy, creativity, and problem-solving. Lastly, keep the conversation light and enjoyable to maintain their interest and excitement about reading and discussing books.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: In 'The Storyteller's Secrets', various characters use storytelling to solve problems and connect with others, illustrating how stories can be powerful tools for communication and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can use storytelling to express their emotions and share their experiences with others, enhancing their social skills and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Importance of creativity
Explanation: The protagonist's creative solutions to challenges highlight how imagination can open up new possibilities and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to engage in creative activities can help them develop problem-solving skills and think outside the box in real life situations.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book often face obstacles that they overcome through determination and persistence, teaching children the importance of not giving up easily.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persist through difficulties whether in academics, sports, or personal goals, understanding that perseverance is key to achieving success.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Through the stories shared in the book, characters learn about the feelings and perspectives of others, fostering a sense of empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by recognizing and respecting the feelings and viewpoints of peers and adults in their community.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: The book shows characters making mistakes but learning important lessons from them, which emphasizes the educational value of errors.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children see mistakes as opportunities for growth and understanding, rather than just failures to be avoided.