The Wall in the Middle of the Book
What’s inside...
A foolish knight is certain that his side of the wall is the safe side in this meta picture book. There's a wall in the middle of the book, and our hero—a young knight—is sure that the wall protects his side of the book from the dangers of the other side—like an angry tiger and giant rhino, and worst of all, an ogre who would gobble him up in a second! But our knight doesn't seem to notice the crocodile and growing sea of water that are emerging on his side. When he's almost over his head and calling for help, who will come to his rescue? An individual who isn't as dangerous as the knight thought—from a side of the book that might just have some positive things to offer after all!
Age
4-8
Length
42 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Knight
Ogre
Discussion points
What do you think the wall in the middle of the book represents?
How do the characters on each side of the wall feel about each other at the beginning and how does it change by the end?
Why do you think the knight believes he is safe on his side of the wall?
Can you think of a time when you discovered something wasn't as you first thought, like the knight in the story?
What does this story teach us about understanding and assumptions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and curious tone when asking questions to make your child feel comfortable in expressing their thoughts.
Encourage your child to draw or act out different parts of the story. This can help them connect more deeply with the characters and themes.
Relate the story to personal experiences or current events to make the themes more relevant and understandable.
After discussing the questions, read the book again to see if your child views the story or characters differently.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts to boost their confidence in expressing their ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: The protagonist, a young knight, initially fears the unknown on the other side of the wall. Through unexpected events, he learns that the other side isn't as frightening as he imagined.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears of the unknown, whether it's trying a new activity or making new friends, helping them to grow more confident and open to experiences.
Example Lesson: Challenging Assumptions
Explanation: The story shows how the knight’s assumptions about the danger of the other side of the wall are challenged and proven wrong, teaching that things aren't always what they seem.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of keeping an open mind and not judging situations or people prematurely, fostering a more inclusive and understanding attitude.
Example Lesson: Importance of Perspective
Explanation: As the story progresses, the perspective shifts, revealing that what seemed threatening was actually friendly. This twist highlights how perspective can change perception.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to consider different viewpoints and situations, which can help in resolving conflicts and understanding complex situations better.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The knight's situation changes rapidly, and he must adapt to new information and circumstances that defy his initial beliefs about the wall and what it represents.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the value of adaptability in everyday life, teaching children to adjust to changes such as moving to a new school or dealing with unexpected problems creatively and positively.
Example Lesson: Discovering Friendship in Unexpected Places
Explanation: Despite his fears, the knight finds companionship and safety on the other side of the wall, where he initially perceived danger.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to forming new friendships, even in unexpected settings or with those who might seem different at first glance.