Black Beauty
Graphic revolve Series
What’s inside...
The Puffin Graphics series brings timeless stories to life through graphic novel adaptations of literary classics, staying true to the original texts. Each book features innovative black-and-white illustrations and includes bonus material about the art and text creation process. In this series, 'Black Beauty' is portrayed facing cruelty and mistreatment in a world indifferent to animal happiness, all in graphic novel format. The series has been updated to support enhanced Common Core State Standards, with added features such as discussion and writing prompts, an expanded introduction, bolded glossary words, and dynamic new covers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
10-14
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Black Beauty
Ginger
Jerry Barker
Joe Green
Squire Gordon
Merrylegs
John Manly
Discussion points
How do you think Black Beauty felt when he was treated kindly compared to when he was treated poorly?
What lessons can we learn from the way different characters in the book treat animals?
How do you think the story would change if it was told from the perspective of another character?
What are some ways we can show kindness to animals in our daily lives?
Why do you think it's important for us to take care of animals?
Tip: Role play these questions
Ask your child to imagine themselves in the shoes of Black Beauty or another character. This will help them develop empathy and better understand the emotions depicted in the book.
Encourage your child to think about the consequences of actions shown in the book, linking them to real-life situations.
Discuss the importance of kindness and animal welfare, highlighting scenes from the book that can reinforce these values.
Create a nurturing environment for discussion, showing genuine interest in your child’s thoughts and opinions on the book’s themes.
Draw parallels between the book and your child’s experiences with animals or peers to make the conversation more relatable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Black Beauty, through his experiences with various owners, teaches readers about the importance of treating all creatures with compassion and kindness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to treat animals gently and understand that their actions affect others, encouraging them to act thoughtfully in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Black Beauty faces numerous challenges and harsh conditions but continually exhibits strength and perseverance.
Real-World Application: This instills in children the value of facing difficult situations with courage and finding strength despite obstacles.
Example Lesson: The impact of human actions on animals
Explanation: The book highlights how different owners' treatment affects Black Beauty’s health and spirit, showcasing the direct impact humans can have on animals.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of responsible behavior towards animals and consider how their actions impact the wellbeing of others.
Example Lesson: Dignity and respect for all
Explanation: Black Beauty experiences both respectful and cruel masters, which illustrates the importance of treating all beings with respect, regardless of their status.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to practice respect and dignity in their interactions with others, promoting a more inclusive and kind environment.