Thumbelina: Tiny Runaway Bride
on Goodreads (235)
What’s inside...
This contemporary retelling of Andersen's classic tale, revamped and fleshed out for today's hip tweens, features the story of Thumbelina. Re-imagined by Ensor with her own inimitable humor, flair, and stylish black-and-white silhouette spot illustrations, this version adds new depth to the original story. Most of us can't quite remember the full story of Thumbelina, a tiny girl the size of your thumb. In this retelling, her adventures begin when she convinces her mother to let her sleep on the porch, leading to engagements to a frog, a mole, and even a proposal from a miniature king.
Age
7-10
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Thumbelina felt when she was on her journey? What emotions might she have experienced?
What does Thumbelina's adventures teach us about bravery and perseverance?
Why do you think Thumbelina made the decisions she did? What would you have done in her place?
How do the different characters in the story help or hinder Thumbelina on her journey?
What does the story of Thumbelina tell us about the importance of being true to oneself?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they might feel in Thumbelina’s situations, encouraging empathy and personal connection.
Discuss the different outcomes of Thumbelina’s decisions to help your child understand cause and effect.
Encourage your child to imagine alternative endings for the story based on different choices, fostering creativity and critical thinking.
Use the story’s themes to connect with your child’s own experiences of bravery or facing challenges.
Highlight the virtues of patience and resilience that Thumbelina displays, tying them back to real-life events your child might face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in facing challenges
Explanation: Throughout the story, Thumbelina confronts numerous obstacles, from being kidnapped by a toad to navigating a vast and unfamiliar world. Despite her small size, she remains determined and resourceful.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of perseverance and courage when facing their own challenges, whether it’s trying to solve a difficult problem at school or adjusting to a new environment.
Example Lesson: The power of kindness
Explanation: Thumbelina's gentle and compassionate nature wins her allies throughout her adventures, such as the field mouse and the swallow. Her kindness is ultimately rewarded when she finds happiness in the fairy kingdom.
Real-World Application: This story encourages kids to be kind to others, emphasizing that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact on others’ lives and often come back to benefit the giver.
Example Lesson: Independence and making choices
Explanation: Thumbelina makes crucial decisions by herself, from rejecting unsuitable marriage proposals to deciding her own fate at the story's end.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to make their own decisions and understand that their choices have consequences, fostering a sense of independence and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Appreciating diversity
Explanation: Thumbelina encounters various characters who are different from her in appearance and lifestyle, including the toad, the beetle, and the different animals she meets.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among people and understand that everyone has unique qualities that contribute to who they are.