Tom Thumb In Modern English (Translated)
on Goodreads (315)
What’s inside...
An excerpt from Tom Thumb tells the story of a very poor couple who would have been content if only they could have had a child. They seek help from the famous magician Merlin who lived at the Court of King Arthur. The book is published by Forgotten Books, which specializes in reproducing rare and classic books using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format and repair imperfections in aged copies.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
29 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Tom Thumb felt when he was on his adventures?
What would you do if you were as small as Tom Thumb?
Can you think of any ways Tom Thumb used his size to his advantage?
What lessons do you think Tom Thumb learned throughout his journey?
If you could change one part of Tom Thumb's story, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Tom Thumb's shoes, imagining the challenges and opportunities of being very small.
Discuss the moral and ethical decisions Tom Thumb makes, prompting your child to think about what they would do in similar situations.
Highlight Tom Thumb's ingenuity and resilience, asking your child about times they had to be creative or overcome obstacles.
After reading, ask your child to draw a scene from the book they found particularly exciting or important.
Use the story as a springboard to discuss the importance of courage and cleverness in face of challenges.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and Quick Thinking
Explanation: Tom Thumb, despite his small size, uses his wit and cleverness to navigate through challenging situations.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think on their feet and use their resources effectively when faced with difficulties.
Example Lesson: Courage and Determination
Explanation: Tom demonstrates bravery as he ventures into the world and faces giants and other dangers.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be brave and persistent in pursuing their goals, no matter how daunting they may seem.
Example Lesson: The importance of Helping Others
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Tom Thumb often helps characters he meets along the way, despite his small stature.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of assisting others and how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Example Lesson: Cautious Optimism
Explanation: Tom Thumb maintains a positive outlook but also recognizes when caution is necessary to navigate his adventures.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the balance between optimism and being cautious, helping them to make prudent decisions.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: Throughout the narrative, Tom holds his family dear and eventually returns home to them.
Real-World Application: This reinforces the importance of family connections and returning to one’s roots after adventures or trials.