Little Stowaway
on Goodreads (7)
What’s inside...
Young John Robert loves his father and, even more, loves his fishing boat. One day he follows his father on board and, hiding in the hold, is taken out to sea. There he finds how cold and lonely a stowaway can be!
Age
6-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the little stowaway felt when he was far from home? Can you describe those feelings?
What would you have done if you were in the little stowaway’s shoes?
Why is friendship important in the story? How does it help the characters?
What did you learn from the little stowaway’s adventure?
If you could ask the little stowaway one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, maintain eye contact and show genuine interest in your child's responses. This encourages them to express their thoughts and feelings openly.
Relate the little stowaway's experiences to your child’s life by asking them to compare situations where they felt similar emotions.
Encourage empathy by asking how they think the characters felt during key moments in the story and why.
After discussing the questions, encourage your child to draw a scene from the book that they found interesting or talk about how they would end the story differently.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: In 'Little Stowaway', the protagonist shows kindness towards a small, lost animal, demonstrating empathy and care.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being kind and helping those in need, which can extend to showing compassion towards classmates and friends.
Example Lesson: Courage and Bravery
Explanation: The main character faces challenges but persists in helping the stowaway despite fears, illustrating courage.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to face their own fears and to stand up for what they believe is right, whether in school or in new situations.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist takes responsibility for the welfare of the stowaway, highlighting the importance of being responsible for others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take responsibility for their actions, their belongings and their pets, understanding the impact of their actions on others.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, the character must solve problems to safely help the stowaway, showing effective problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their daily lives, from schoolwork to interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: The friendship that develops between the protagonist and the stowaway emphasizes the importance and value of friendships.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to build and maintain friendships, learning how meaningful relationships can enrich their lives.