Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew
Heinemann Spotlights Series
on Goodreads (102)
What’s inside...
A tale of long ago, when dragons were still common, follows the Duke and his Knights who, after slaying the last dragon in the Dukedom, wish to rest. However, Sir Oblong Fitz Oblong proposes they continue their good works elsewhere and is sent alone to the Bolligrew Islands to face another dragon. There, he meets the wicked 15th Baron, the bumbling Squire Blackheart, and embarks on a series of fantastic adventures before finally confronting the dragon.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
9-12
Length
104 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sir Oblong Fitz-Oblong
The Dragon
Baron Bolligrew
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Baron Bolligrew to act the way he did?
How do the other characters react to Baron Bolligrew's actions, and what does that tell us about them?
What would you have done if you were in the place of one of the characters?
How do you think the story would change if it took place today?
What is the most important lesson you learned from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the characters' motives and the consequences of their actions. This promotes empathy and moral reasoning.
Use expressions and voice modulation to make the storytelling engaging. This will help capture your child's attention and foster a deeper understanding of the narrative.
Relate the story's themes or situations to your child’s own experiences. This personal connection can make the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or plot twists, fostering creativity and narrative skills.
Encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This can be a fun way to discuss the story’s themes and characters while engaging in a creative activity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: The protagonist in 'Thwarting of Baron Bolligrew' confronts numerous challenges and displays bravery, teaching children the importance of standing up against wrongdoings.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face challenges at school or in social situations with confidence and to stand up for what is right.
Example Lesson: Importance of kindness and compassion
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters who practice kindness influence others positively, exemplifying how compassion can lead to better outcomes.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be kind to their peers and helps foster a supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book often face setbacks, but their persistence in overcoming obstacles serves as a strong example of not giving up easily.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of perseverance in achieving goals, whether in academics, sports, or personal projects.
Example Lesson: The impact of teamwork
Explanation: The characters work together to thwart Baron Bolligrew's plans, highlighting the power of collective effort and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of teamwork and cooperating with others to achieve common goals in school projects or team sports.