Walden Then & Now: An Alphabetical Tour of Henry Thoreau's Pond
on Goodreads (32)
What’s inside...
WALDEN THEN & NOW is a tribute to Henry David Thoreau and his influential book, WALDEN. Author Michael McCurdy takes readers on an alphabetical journey around Walden Pond, exploring how Thoreau’s life in a cabin surrounded by nature has both changed and remained the same over time. Through beautiful wood engravings, McCurdy highlights the animals, plants, seasons, and thoughts recorded by Thoreau, fostering an appreciation for nature and environmentalism. This book celebrates the natural life of Walden Pond, both in Thoreau’s time and today.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What are some differences you noticed between the past and present images of Walden Pond?
Why do you think Henry Thoreau chose to live at Walden Pond?
How do you think living close to nature can change the way we see the world?
What would you do if you spent a day at Walden Pond?
Which letter in the alphabetical tour stood out to you the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the serene environment of Walden Pond as they read. Ask them to draw or describe a scene they might encounter there based on the book’s illustrations. Utilize the alphabetical structure of the book to help younger readers with letter recognition and phonics, associating each letter with a corresponding image or theme from Walden Pond. After reading, consider planning a nature walk to bring the themes of the book into a real-world context, discussing what you might observe and how it would feel to be in a similar environment as Thoreau.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book explores the natural surroundings of Walden Pond, showcasing the importance of nature conservation through Thoreau’s observations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and care for the environment, promoting actions like recycling, conserving water, and protecting wildlife in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Importance of Simplicity
Explanation: Thoreau's lifestyle at Walden Pond emphasizes living simply and valuing essentials, which is reflected in the narrative and illustrations.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value simplicity, leading to choices that favour quality over quantity in toys, activities, and commitments.
Example Lesson: Self-Reliance and Independence
Explanation: The book illustrates Thoreau’s journey of self-sufficiency and personal independence, inspiring readers to take initiative.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to undertake tasks independently, whether it's completing homework, managing small chores, or making simple decisions, fostering a sense of responsibility.
Example Lesson: Observation and Reflection
Explanation: Thoreau’s detailed observations of Walden Pond serve as a model for mindfulness and the importance of reflection.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to observe the world around them more closely and reflect on their experiences, which can enhance their learning and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Historical Appreciation
Explanation: By exploring Thoreau's life and the changes at Walden Pond over time, the book connects children with historical perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of history and its impact on the present, fostering curiosity about their own heritage and historical landmarks in their community.