A Boy called George
What’s inside...
The book tells the story of a young boy named George who embarks on an unexpected adventure. Along the way, he learns valuable lessons about friendship, courage, and the importance of being true to oneself. A charming picture book about acts of kindness for children up to 9 years old. George helps his family and draws pictures to cheer up an elderly neighbor. His acts of kindness make others happy and make him feel special, inspiring other young people to do the same. The story is inspired by true stories of young people in Coventry and Warwickshire who carried out acts of kindness during the pandemic. Written by a child and adolescent mental health nurse, it aims to inspire young people to be kind to enhance their own and others' well-being.
Age
8-12
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did George's actions demonstrate courage and kindness?
What would you do if you were in George's situation?
How do you think George felt when he encountered challenges?
What lessons can we learn about friendship from the story?
If you could give any advice to George, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the emotions George experiences throughout the story to help your child connect and empathize with his character.
Encourage your child to express what they would do differently if they were in George's shoes, fostering critical thinking.
Discuss the outcome of the story and what your child thinks could happen next, encouraging imagination and predictive skills.
Relate the themes of the story, like bravery and kindness, to real-life situations your child might encounter, making the discussion relevant.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'A Boy called George', the protagonist George displays empathy by trying to understand and help his friends, despite their differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of empathy in building meaningful relationships and being sensitive to the feelings and needs of others. This can help them navigate social situations and foster kindness.
Example Lesson: Courage to be oneself
Explanation: George shows courage by embracing his unique interests and traits, even when they are not widely accepted.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of self-acceptance and the courage to be true to oneself, which is crucial for developing self-esteem and personal integrity.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the value of friendship through George's interactions with his peers, illustrating mutual support and companionship.
Real-World Application: Children can see the importance of cultivating friendships and learn how caring for and supporting friends can enrich their lives and provide emotional support.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, George encounters various challenges that he addresses using creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: By seeing George tackle problems head-on, children learn the significance of using intellect and creativity to overcome obstacles, which can help them in academic and personal situations.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Despite facing setbacks, George remains resilient, adapting to new situations and overcoming hardships with a positive outlook.
Real-World Application: This lesson imparts the importance of resilience, teaching children that perseverance and a positive attitude can help them navigate through difficult times in life and emerge stronger.