Gulliver's Travels: A Robert Ingpen Illustrated Classic
Robert Ingpen Illustrated Classics Series
What’s inside...
The perfect gift for a curious mind. Share your beloved childhood stories with the next generation! When Lemuel Gulliver, a ship's surgeon, sets off on the high seas in search of adventure, things never seem to go quite according to plan. Through a series of disasters and misadventures, he finds himself cast upon strange islands whose inhabitants are of the most unusual size, and the most confusing philosophies. Gulliver's Travels has been loved by many generations of readers for almost 300 years, and the telling of the misfortunes and pleasures of its eponymous hero is one of Jonathan Swift's most enduring legacies. A full-colour illustrated edition of one of the world's best loved stories. 'Ingpen's drawings are utterly compelling' - Michael Morpurgo.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
176 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Lemuel Gulliver
Glumdalclitch
The Queen Of Brobdingnag
Reldresal
The Houyhnhnm Master
The King Of Brobdingnag
The Brobdingnagian Farmer
Emperor Of Lilliput
Discussion points
How do the different societies Gulliver visits make you think about our world? What similarities and differences do you see?
What do you think Gulliver learned from his adventures? What lessons can we learn from his experiences?
If you could visit any of the places Gulliver went to, which would you choose and why?
How do the illustrations by Robert Ingpen enhance the story for you? Do they help you imagine the scenes better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child’s imagination by asking them to visualize and perhaps draw their own version of the unusual places Gulliver visits. Use open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and relate Gulliver's experiences to your child’s personal experiences or current events. Discuss the moral and ethical lessons of the story and encourage empathy by exploring how Gulliver might have felt during his travels.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perspective and open-mindedness
Explanation: Throughout 'Gulliver's Travels', Gulliver encounters various societies and cultures that challenge his preconceived notions about the world. These experiences teach him to see the world from different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different viewpoints and cultures, enhancing their social skills and empathy.
Example Lesson: The value of critical thinking and self-reflection
Explanation: Gulliver's adventures prompt him to think critically about his own society's flaws and virtues, encouraging a deeper understanding of his own values and behaviors.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to evaluate their actions and beliefs, fostering personal growth and moral development.
Example Lesson: The significance of humility and adaptability
Explanation: In his travels, Gulliver often finds himself in situations where he is either a giant or a tiny being, teaching him to adapt to different environments and to stay humble regardless of his physical size.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to remain humble and adaptable in changing circumstances, skills that are valuable in personal and academic settings.
Example Lesson: The consequences of pride and arrogance
Explanation: Gulliver's initial pride and condescension towards other cultures lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. His journey teaches him the negative impacts of arrogance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of treating others with respect and the potential consequences of hubris.