Boys and Girls of Bookland - Pictured by Jessie Willcox Smith
What’s inside...
'Boys and Girls of Bookland - Pictured by Jessie Willcox Smith' is a delightful children's book containing eleven stories of famous child characters in fiction adapted by Nora Archibald Smith. The stories featured include David Copperfield, Little Women, Jackanapes, Hans Brinker, Alice in Wonderland, The Little Lame Prince, Heidi - The Alpine Rose, Mowgli, Little Nell, and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. First published in 1923, the book boasts eleven full-color plates by Jessie Willcox Smith. Jessie Willcox Smith, born in Philadelphia, USA, started her illustrious career as an illustrator after taking classes under Howard Pyle in 1894. She is renowned for her Good Housekeeping covers and her illustrations for Charles Kingsley's The Water-Babies. Charles Dodgson, known better by his pseudonym Lewis Carroll, is celebrated as an author, mathematician, logician, Anglican deacon, and photographer. His most famous works are Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel Alice Through the Looking-Glass. Dodgson was a prolific writer, contributing to children's literature, mathematical discourses, and political pamphlets.
Age
5-17
Length
132 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which character in the story did you like best and why?
How do you think the character felt when…?
What would you have done differently if you were in the character's place?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any character in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, altering your voice for different characters to make the story more engaging.
Pause at pivotal moments to ask your child what they think might happen next, fostering their prediction skills.
After reading, connect the story to your child’s own experiences, asking if they’ve ever felt similar emotions or faced similar situations.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character, deepening their connection to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The various stories in 'Boys and Girls of Bookland' depict characters who learn to understand and empathize with others, differentiating between their feelings and needs.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by acknowledging feelings of their peers and offering support during emotional times, promoting emotional intelligence and social connections.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Courage
Explanation: Characters face various challenges that they overcome with bravery, highlighting the virtue of courage in difficult situations.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own challenges, such as trying new activities or standing up for what is right, with bravery and determination.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: Stories demonstrate perseverance as characters work towards their goals despite obstacles.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to not give up easily on their tasks or when learning new skills, understanding that persistence is key to achieving goals.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Characters often reflect on mistakes and learn valuable lessons, emphasizing the importance of growth and learning from errors.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of self-reflection and learning from their missteps to better themselves.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The book showcases imaginative narratives that inspire creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to utilize their imagination in play, storytelling, or art, enriching their creative expressions and problem-solving skills.