The Girl in the Castle Inside the Museum
What’s inside...
Once there was a girl who lived in a castle inside a museum. Children would visit and see her through a glass globe, but she felt lonely when they left. One day, she had an idea to have visitors hang a picture of themselves inside the castle to keep her company. This original fairy tale, reminiscent of 'The Lady of Shalot,' is haunting, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Girl In The Castle
Discussion points
How do you think the girl feels living inside the museum? Can you imagine what her day might look like?
If you were to leave a gift for the girl in the castle, what would it be and why?
What are some of the interesting things you noticed in the castle's rooms and decorations?
Why do you think the girl chooses to watch visitors from her castle?
How do you think the story would change if the girl had a friend in the castle with her?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to express how they would feel in the girl’s situation, fostering a deeper connection with the character.
Boost creativity by having your child draw or describe an additional room they would like to add to the castle.
Enhance observation skills by pointing out subtle details in the illustrations and asking your child what they see.
Promote imagination by asking your child to think of a story about a day in the girl's life in the museum.
Strengthen narrative skills by asking your child to predict what could happen next if the story continued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story portrays a girl living alone in a castle within a museum, observed by visitors. Children learn about her feelings and loneliness, promoting understanding and empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by recognizing loneliness in others and offering friendship and support in school or playground settings.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The magical setting of a castle inside a museum ignites the imagination about historical and fantastical worlds, encouraging creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This fosters creative play and storytelling in children, allowing them to construct imaginative scenarios and stories in their playtime.
Example Lesson: Importance of Interaction
Explanation: The girl in the book feels less lonely when visitors come to see her, highlighting the importance of social interaction.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of interacting with others, which can encourage them to actively participate in group activities and make new friends.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The setting in a museum filled with artifacts introduces children to diverse cultures and histories, fostering respect and appreciation for different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to visit museums or read books about different cultures, enhancing their global understanding and respect for various heritages.