Seymour, the Formerly Fearful
What’s inside...
Seymour Goldfarb is a fearful child who avoids many activities and finds ways to hide his fears. However, his life takes a turn when his daring cousin Pessach from Israel visits for the summer. Pessach, an ex-paratrooper, wants to experience American fun, pushing Seymour out of his comfort zone. The story revolves around Seymour's struggle to cope with his fears while trying to meet his cousin's expectations.
Age
8-12
Length
188 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Seymour felt when he was afraid, and what helped him become brave?
Can you recall a time when you were scared of something new, just like Seymour? What happened?
Seymour made new friends on his adventure. Why is it important to have friends when trying new things?
What is the most important lesson Seymour learned? How can you apply that lesson in your life?
If you were in Seymour’s place, what would you have done differently?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about fear and bravery by relating them to Seymour's experiences. Listen actively, validate their feelings, and share your own stories of overcoming fears. Help them connect the story’s messages with their everyday life, emphasizing the value of friendship and courage. Use the book's illustrations to guide your discussion, pointing out visual cues that might evoke feeling and thought about the situation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears
Explanation: Seymour, a shy and fearful character, faces various scenarios that scare him. Throughout the book, he learns to confront and overcome these fears bravely.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their own fears and understand that it's okay to be scared. They also see practical examples of how confronting fears can lead to personal growth and confidence.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As Seymour encounters other characters with their own fears, he learns to understand and empathize with their feelings.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to recognize emotions in others, fostering empathy and compassion in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Throughout his journey, Seymour receives support from friends, which helps him manage his fears. This illustrates the importance of having supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships and how friends can be a source of support during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Persistence
Explanation: Seymour does not overcome his fears immediately, but he keeps trying. His persistence is a key theme in the book.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of not giving up despite setbacks. It shows that persistence can lead to overcoming personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery
Explanation: As Seymour overcomes his fears, he learns more about himself and grows more confident.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace personal growth and self-discovery through their own life experiences and challenges.