A Thief in the Village
What’s inside...
Shirley the Sheep is a beautifully illustrated Christmas book in which Shirley the Sheep assists Santa to create a wonderful Christmas. Additionally, this collection of short stories about children and young people in Jamaica features atmospheric background detail and the rhythms and patterns of speech. These contemporary narratives showcase a culture relevant to multi-ethnic Britain, with stories like 'Becky and the Wheels and Brake Boys', 'A Thief in the Village', 'Tukku Tukku and Sampson', and more. The collection covers subjects such as a young boy's desire to buy shoes for the cricket team and a girl's adventures on a coconut plantation.
Age
8-12
Length
148 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the various characters in the story show kindness or courage?
What do you think motivated the thief and how do you feel about his actions?
How did the villagers handle the situation with the thief? Do you think it was effective?
Which character did you relate to the most and why?
If you could change one part of the story, what would it be and how would you change it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the motives behind each character's actions and discuss the complexities of right and wrong.
Ask your child to relate personal experiences with themes in the book such as community, trust, and forgiveness.
Discuss the importance of community support and how problems can be resolved with collective effort.
Explore the setting of the village by asking your child to imagine living there and to describe their daily activities.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the story and real-life events, enhancing their understanding and empathetic skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: In 'A Thief in the Village', the characters learn about the consequences of stealing and the value of being honest.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the importance of telling the truth and the negative impact that dishonesty can have on their relationships and community.
Example Lesson: Community and cooperation
Explanation: The stories highlight how villagers come together to support each other, demonstrating the strength found in community cooperation.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to participate actively in their communities and understand that working together can lead to greater achievements and resolving conflicts.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book often face moral dilemmas that require understanding from various perspectives, nurturing empathy and deeper comprehension.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to put themselves in others' shoes, helping them develop stronger interpersonal skills and a more caring attitude towards others.
Example Lesson: Resolving conflicts
Explanation: The book showcases different methods of conflict resolution through its stories, emphasizing peaceful and constructive solutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn effective ways to handle disputes in their day-to-day interactions, promoting a peaceful and respectful environment.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: Several stories in the book portray characters working hard to achieve goals, illustrating the benefits of diligence and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to apply themselves diligently in their studies, chores, and other activities, understanding that effort is often rewarded.