Once Upon a Tim
#1 of 4 in Once Upon a Tim Series
What’s inside...
A middle grade series about a peasant boy named Tim who dreams of becoming a knight. Despite being born a peasant, Tim is determined to change his station in life. He gets his chance when Princess Grace is abducted by the evil Stinx, and Prince Ruprecht calls for knights to join him on a rescue mission. Tim, brave and clever, volunteers to join the quest even though he lacks knightly skills. He sees this as an opportunity to fulfill his dream and prove his worth.
Discussion points
What do you think Tim felt when he started his adventure?
If you were Tim, what would you have done differently on your journey?
Why do you think the characters in the book helped or hindered Tim?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Tim's adventures?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the feelings of the characters by asking them how they would feel in similar situations.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences to deepen their connection and understanding of the narrative.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or different scenarios to foster creativity and problem-solving skills.
Highlight the morals or lessons from the story and discuss how they can be applied in real life.
Encourage your child to draw or write a continuation of the story, which can help enhance their comprehension and retention.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Once Upon a Tim,' the protagonist, Tim, learns to collaborate with others to overcome challenges and achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together with peers on group projects or in team sports, learning that cooperation can lead to success.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: Tim faces various fears throughout the story, demonstrating bravery and growth as he tackles each obstacle.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that facing fears, whether trying new activities or standing up for themselves, is a part of growing up and can lead to personal development.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: Despite encountering setbacks, Tim persists and remains determined throughout his adventures.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether it be in solving a tough math problem or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Tim meets various characters different from himself, learning to respect and appreciate their unique traits and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate diversity among classmates and community members, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: The book showcases Tim using his imagination and creativity to navigate through his adventures.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to think creatively when faced with challenges, whether in academic tasks or personal projects.