Abbey Lubbers, Banshees and Boggarts: a Who's Who of Fairies
not part of a series
What’s inside...
Abbey Lubbers, Banshees and Boggarts: A Who's Who of Fairies by Katharine Mary Briggs is an encyclopedic guide to the folklore of fairies. It provides detailed descriptions of various mythical creatures from British and Irish folklore including Abbey Lubbers, Banshees, and Boggarts. Katharine Mary Briggs, a renowned folklorist, compiles historical accounts, characteristics, behaviors, and stories associated with these entities, offering a comprehensive reference on fairy lore. The book is both an informative resource for scholars and an entertaining collection for those fascinated by the supernatural world of fairies.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
12-15
Length
158 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it would feel like to meet a fairy from the book? Which one would you like to meet most and why?
How do you think the fairies in the book feel about their magical abilities? What would you do if you had similar powers?
Why do you think some fairies help people and others play tricks? What does that tell us about understanding different personalities?
If you could create your own fairy tale with characters from the book, what would the story be?
Which fairy’s world would you like to visit and what do you imagine it would look like?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage imaginative thinking by asking your child to draw or describe a fairy or a scene from the book.
Foster empathy by discussing the motives and feelings of different fairy characters, relating them to real-life scenarios.
Enhance comprehension by revisiting parts of the book when discussing the questions, pointing out specific illustrations or texts that relate to your discussion.
Boost creativity by asking the child to think of alternate endings or additional adventures for their favorite characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting differences
Explanation: The book introduces various mythical creatures, each with unique characteristics and stories, demonstrating the richness of cultural folklore and the importance of diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from different backgrounds and cultures in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and learning
Explanation: By exploring the traits and tales of different fairies, this book encourages children's natural curiosity about the world, fostering a love for learning and exploration.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to ask questions and seek out more information in all areas of their life, whether at school or in casual settings.
Example Lesson: Cultivating imagination and creativity
Explanation: The fantastical elements and creatures in this book stimulate the imagination, allowing children to think creatively beyond the confines of reality.
Real-World Application: This can translate into creative problem-solving skills and innovative thinking in real-world tasks and creative projects at school or at home.
Example Lesson: Learning the importance of storytelling
Explanation: Through its collection of fairy tales, the book showcases storytelling as a powerful tool to convey morals and lessons, emphasizing the role of narratives in culture and history.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express themselves and share their own experiences and values through storytelling, enhancing their communication skills and emotional intelligence.