The Real Tilly Beany
Tilly Beany Series
What’s inside...
The Real Tilly Beany is a children's book by Annie Dalton that tells the story of a young girl named Tilly Beany and her struggles with identity and self-acceptance. Tilly often feels overshadowed by her more outgoing sisters and is searching for her own unique place in the world. Throughout the book, Tilly faces various challenges and adventures that help her discover her true self and realize that she doesn't need to compare herself to others to feel special. With the support of her family and friends, Tilly learns to embrace her individuality and the things that make her 'the real Tilly Beany.' Matilda Beany, on the other hand, struggles with not wanting to be ordinary Tilly Bean as she adopts various alter egos such as Windstar, Jellybear, and Matilda Seaflower, which can be hard on her family. The book was also shortlisted for the 1991 Carnegie award, highlighting its impactful narrative and themes.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tilly Beany
Toby Beany
Discussion points
How did Tilly Beany's actions show her creativity and independence?
What challenges did Tilly face, and how did she overcome them?
How do Tilly's relationships with her family and friends change throughout the story?
What lessons did Tilly learn by the end of the book?
How would you have handled the situations Tilly was in? Do you think she made good choices?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin by asking your child to summarize the story in their own words, to ensure they understand the plot. Encourage them to express their opinions on Tilly's decisions and discuss similar experiences they might have had. Share your own thoughts and feelings about the story to model thoughtful engagement and help deepen the conversation. Highlight the moments in the story where characters show growth or learn lessons, connecting them to real-life values and experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and expressing emotions
Explanation: Tilly Beany, the protagonist, navigates various emotions as she faces everyday challenges and adventures, helping children grasp the concept of self-awareness and emotional expression.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify their own emotions and communicate them effectively, which is crucial for emotional development and building healthy relationships.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Throughout the book, Tilly demonstrates empathy by understanding and sharing feelings of other characters, teaching the significance of seeing things from others' perspectives.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be considerate and supportive, fostering a nurturing environment at home and in classrooms.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Tilly encounters various situations where she must adapt and persevere, illustrating the importance of resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of continuing to try in spite of difficulties, a vital skill for navigating life's ups and downs.
Example Lesson: Importance of imagination
Explanation: Tilly uses her imagination to solve problems and entertain herself, showing that creativity is not just for fun but a practical tool in everyday life.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity to think outside the box and find unique solutions to problems.
Example Lesson: Friendship and cooperation
Explanation: Tilly learns to build friendships and work collaboratively with peers, highlighting the importance of social skills in personal growth.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the significance of teamwork and how cooperating with others can lead to achieving common goals.