Matilda at 30: Chief Executive of the British Library
on Goodreads (6)
What’s inside...
Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Roald Dahl's beloved character Matilda with a special collection featuring three imaginative careers Quentin Blake envisioned for her at 30 years old. In this edition, Matilda takes on roles as the Chief Executive of the British Library, an Astrophysicist, and a World Traveller. Each book comes with a unique, never-before-seen illustration of Matilda in these professions. Despite the neglect and misunderstanding from her family and the tyrannical Miss Trunchbull, Matilda's extraordinary intelligence and magical abilities allow her to rise above and envision a bright future where she uses her talents to succeed in various fields.
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Matilda's love for reading helped her become the Chief Executive of the British Library?
What qualities do you think make Matilda a good leader?
If you were in Matilda's position, what would you do differently at the library?
How does Matilda inspire others around her, and who in your life inspires you similarly?
What challenges do you think Matilda faces in her role, and how would you handle them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the influence of reading on Matilda’s achievements. Discuss the importance of leadership qualities and problem-solving. Draw parallels between Matilda’s experiences and their own, allowing them to personalize the story. Promote a deeper understanding by relating the challenges faced by Matilda to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Leadership and Ambition
Explanation: Matilda demonstrates strong leadership qualities as she rises to become the Chief Executive of the British Library, showing the importance of ambition and self-belief.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to take leadership roles in group activities at school or in extracurricular clubs, helping to build their confidence and goal-setting abilities.
Example Lesson: The Value of Education
Explanation: Her role at a prestigious institution highlights how education opens doors to remarkable opportunities and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to value their education can motivate them to engage more actively in their schooling and embrace learning opportunities both in and outside the classroom.
Example Lesson: Innovation and Creativity
Explanation: Matilda's career path encourages thinking outside the box and innovating, key aspects in modern leadership roles.
Real-World Application: Children can be prompted to participate in creative projects or problem-solving activities, which could enhance their innovative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Matilda's journey to a high-achieving role despite challenges serves as an example of the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Teach children the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles, whether it be in completing a difficult school assignment or mastering a new skill.