The Water-Babies: Wordsworth Children's Classics - A Magical Journey beneath the Waves: Adventures of the Water-Babies
Wordsworth Children'S Classics Series
on Goodreads (9,553)
What’s inside...
This facsimile reprint of 'The Water Babies' by Charles Kingsley preserves a classic children's novel despite its imperfections. The book follows the adventures of Tom, a young chimney sweep who enters a magical underwater world after being falsely accused of theft. As a water baby, he meets various creatures and learns important life lessons about kindness, morality, and empathy. Through charming illustrations and whimsical language, the story addresses themes like environmentalism, social justice, and imagination, captivating readers of all ages.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
336 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tom
Ellie
Mrs. Doasyouwouldbedoneby
Mrs. Bedonebyasyoudid
Mr. Grimes
Mrs Bedonebyasyoudid
Mr Grimes
Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby
Miss Ellie
Discussion points
How do you think Tom felt when he first became a water-baby, and why?
What lessons do you think Tom learned during his underwater adventures?
If you could meet any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do the creatures Tom meets make him think differently about his actions and choices?
What does the story tell us about taking care of our environment and the creatures in it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use vivid descriptions: As you discuss the book, describe the underwater scenes and characters vividly to captivate your child’s imagination.
Connect to feelings: Relate the emotional experiences of the characters to your child's own experiences.
Ask predictive questions: Encourage your child to guess what might happen next or how a character might resolve a problem, to enhance engagement.
Explore themes: Discuss the moral lessons and themes in the story, such as kindness and environmental stewardship, to deepen understanding.
Create a reading ritual: Make reading this book a special time for sharing thoughts and feelings, fostering a closer bond.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptation
Explanation: In 'The Water-Babies', the protagonist, Tom, faces many challenges and changes after becoming a water-baby. However, he learns to adapt to his new environment and overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of adapting to new situations, whether it's moving to a new school or facing any other changes in life.
Example Lesson: The value of kindness and compassion
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Tom encounters various creatures and people, and learns the importance of being kind and helping others, which in turn helps him on his journey.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of empathy and supporting others in their community or school.
Example Lesson: Environmental consciousness
Explanation: The story underscores the consequences of pollution and mistreatment of aquatic environments, which Tom witnesses firsthand as a water-baby.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be mindful of their environment, promoting habits like recycling and conserving water from a young age.
Example Lesson: Personal redemption
Explanation: Tom's transformation into a water-baby and his subsequent actions allow him to make amends for his past misdeeds as a chimney sweep. This reflects the theme of redemption and personal growth.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to understand that it’s never too late to correct mistakes and improve oneself.
Example Lesson: Courage in facing the unknown
Explanation: Tom's journey is filled with unknowns and mystical elements. His bravery in navigating these uncertainties is a significant part of his growth.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to face new challenges with courage, helping them to grow and learn in the process.