The Lord Fish (Treasures)
The four treasures Series
What’s inside...
Walter de la Mare's classic The Lord Fish, tells the story of John Cobbler, a kind-hearted but lazy boy who goes on a perilous quest to release a beautiful fish girl from her cruel enchantment. This first edition, first printing hardcover is signed by the illustrator, Patrick Benson, and comes with an unclipped dust jacket in very good condition. The jacket edges are slightly worn, and board corners are bumped. There is a small blemish noted to the front pastedown, but otherwise, the book is as unread.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Lord Fish learned on his adventures?
How do you think the other characters felt when the Lord Fish helped them?
What would you have done if you were in the Lord Fish's place during his journey?
Why do you think it’s important to help others, like the Lord Fish did?
What was your favorite part of the story and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading: Change your tone and pace to match the emotions and actions in the story to make the reading experience more immersive.
Relate to personal experiences: Share a personal story where you helped someone or learned a valuable lesson, similar to the Lord Fish, to make the themes more relatable.
Encourage empathy: Ask your child how they feel about the characters' decisions and emotions, fostering a deeper understanding of empathy.
Visual aids: If possible, use pictures or drawings related to the book's scenes to visually reinforce the story’s messages.
Pause for thoughts: Give your child time to think about the answers to the questions, showing that their thoughts and opinions are valued.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The narrative of 'The Lord Fish' revolves around characters who learn to understand and empathize with creatures different from themselves. This is depicted through their interactions and growing appreciation for the Lord Fish.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and respect differences among their peers and in the natural world, fostering a sense of empathy and kindness.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Care
Explanation: The story emphasizes the importance of taking care of the environment and the creatures within it. The characters demonstrate responsibility in their actions towards the Lord Fish and its habitat.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of environmental stewardship and encourages them to be responsible for their own surroundings, promoting eco-friendly behaviors.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Through the characters' quest to understand more about the mysterious Lord Fish, the story highlights the value of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore the world around them and to seek knowledge, enhancing their cognitive and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: The Power of Storytelling
Explanation: The book uses rich, imaginative storytelling to captivate readers and convey its themes effectively. This underscores the power of stories in learning and personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can be inspired to create and tell their own stories, which can aid in their emotional and intellectual development, and improve their communication skills.