A Letter from Liverpool
The Mersey Chronicles Series
What’s inside...
A delightful journey of a young girl named Ellie who receives a mysterious letter from Liverpool, leading her and her friends on an unexpected adventure filled with mystery and discovery. Based on the CBBC TV series, Alphablocks, which encourages early readers through 4 fiction books. Bug Club Phonics is a Department for Education-approved phonics teaching program using research-based methods for reading success. It includes books matched to phonics phases taught in school, from nursery to Year 1, providing a strong foundation in phonics.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the main character felt when they received the letter from Liverpool?
What similarities or differences can you find between your life and the character's life in Liverpool?
Why is communication, like sending letters, important in maintaining relationships?
What would you write in a letter to a friend or family member who lives far away, and why?
How do you think the story would change if it was set in today's world with emails and instant messaging?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the characters' emotions and actions. Draw parallels between the historical setting of Liverpool and your child’s environment to deepen their understanding and empathy. Discuss the importance of communication in relationships and how it has evolved over time. Use the book as an opportunity to teach your child about different cultures and periods in history. Finally, you might consider writing a real letter together to a friend or family member, mirroring the book’s theme.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: The story highlights how characters overcome challenges by expressing their thoughts and feelings effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to articulate their emotions and thoughts clearly to friends and family, enhancing their interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Characters in the book face various obstacles but demonstrate determination and do not give up easily.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting in the face of difficulties, be it in their academic pursuits or personal endeavors.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The book showcases characters who learn to understand different perspectives, fostering a sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by being considerate and empathetic towards their peers, which can improve social interactions and build stronger friendships.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: Set in Liverpool, the book introduces children to diverse cultural settings and histories, enriching their worldview.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be curious and respectful about different cultures, which is crucial in our globalized world.