Children's Classics : The Secret Garden, a Little Princess, Ann of Green Gables, Little Women.
#1 in Classic Children's Books Series
1997
by
illustrations by
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
This collection of children's classics brings together four timeless novels that have captivated young readers for generations. 'The Secret Garden' by Frances Hodgson Burnett tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young girl who discovers a hidden, neglected garden on her uncle's estate and, through her care, brings it back to life. 'A Little Princess' also by Burnett, follows the tale of Sara Crewe, a wealthy girl who faces adversity and uses her imagination and kindness to overcome her challenges. 'Anne of Green Gables' by L.M. Montgomery introduces Anne Shirley, an imaginative and spirited orphan who is mistakenly sent to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert at Green Gables. Anne's adventures and misadventures in the small town of Avonlea capture the hearts of all who meet her. Lastly, 'Little Women' by Louisa May Alcott chronicles the lives of the four March sisters—Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy—as they grow up during the American Civil War, exploring themes of love, duty, and sisterhood. Each novel explores themes of growth, resilience, and the transformative power of friendship and imagination, leaving a lasting impact on the world of children's literature.
Discussion points
How do the main characters in each story show resilience and adapt to new challenges?
What qualities do Anne, Sara, Mary, and the March sisters share that inspire you?
How do the settings in each book contribute to the story's mood and the characters' development?
Can you think of a time when you felt like an outsider like some of the characters, and how did you overcome that feeling?
Which character's story would you like to be part of and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight similarities between the challenges faced by the characters and those your child might encounter, to make the discussion more relatable.
Encourage your child to describe their favorite character, and ask why they feel connected to that character.
Discuss the historical and geographical settings of the stories, to build a deeper understanding of the context of each story.
Use examples from the book to discuss the importance of qualities like courage, friendship, and integrity. Ask your child how they can apply these qualities in their own life.
After discussing each book, ask your child to imagine and share a continuation of their favorite story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Characters like Mary in 'The Secret Garden' and Anne in 'Anne of Green Gables' demonstrate resilience as they overcome hardships and transform their lives positively.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cope with challenges and changes in their own lives, understanding that perseverance can lead to personal growth and improved circumstances.
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and empathy
Explanation: Sara from 'A Little Princess' shows immense kindness and empathy towards others despite her own struggles, influencing those around her positively.
Real-World Application: Children can practice being considerate and understanding of others' feelings and situations, fostering a nurturing environment in both school and home settings.
Example Lesson: The value of imagination and creativity
Explanation: Jo March in 'Little Women' uses her imaginative power to write stories and plays, creating opportunities and bonding with her sisters.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to engage in creative activities such as writing, drawing, or playing, which can be vital for intellectual and emotional development.
Example Lesson: Personal integrity and moral courage
Explanation: Characters across these stories, like Anne and Jo, often stand up for their beliefs and make morally challenging decisions, which portrays their inner strength and integrity.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of standing firm in their beliefs and values, even when faced with peer pressure or difficult choices.
Example Lesson: Empowerment through education
Explanation: Education plays a crucial role in the lives of these characters, opening doors to new possibilities and personal empowerment.
Real-World Application: Highlights the importance of education in expanding opportunities and personal development, encouraging children to value and pursue learning.