Tom Crean - The Brave Explorer (Little Library, 4)
#4 in The Little library Series
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Tom Crean was one of ten children who grew up on a farm near Anascaul in County Kerry. He loved adventure and, at the age of 15, he ran away to join the British Navy and sail around the world. While his ship was moored in New Zealand, Tom met Captain Robert Scott. Scott's dream was to be the first person ever to reach the South Pole and he asked Tom to join his crew. Get ready to discover epic tales of endurance, bravery and determination in this inspiring life story of Tom Crean.
Character compass
Tom Crean
Discussion points
What do you think made Tom Crean brave during his explorations?
How do you think teamwork helped Tom and his crew on their adventures?
If you were an explorer like Tom Crean, what would you want to discover and why?
How did Tom Crean show perseverance when faced with challenges?
What qualities do you admire most about Tom Crean and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Tom's adventures, helping them connect emotionally with the story.
Use a globe or map to locate the places Tom Crean explored, making the story more tangible and engaging for your child.
Discuss the qualities of bravery and perseverance displayed by Tom Crean, and ask your child about times they have shown or could show these qualities in their own life.
Highlight teamwork by discussing the different roles of the crew members in the book and ask your child about how they work in teams at school or in sports.
After reading, consider watching documentaries or looking at photos of polar expeditions to deepen your child’s understanding and interest in the subject.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Tom Crean showcases immense perseverance through his challenging journeys in the Antarctic expeditions.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence in overcoming obstacles, whether it's finishing a difficult homework assignment or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The book illustrates how Tom Crean worked collaboratively with other explorers to achieve common goals during the expeditions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate the importance of cooperating and contributing in group settings such as in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Tom Crean's brave actions, including his solo trek to save his comrades, demonstrate courage in the face of danger.
Real-World Application: Children learn to face fears and make brave decisions, be it standing up against bullying or trying new activities.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: Throughout the book, Crean encounters numerous challenges that require quick thinking and innovative solutions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of critical thinking and problem-solving in daily life challenges.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Tom Crean's ability to endure harsh conditions and setbacks highlights his resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to bounce back from personal setbacks, like dealing with a poor grade or coping with a loss in sports.