The boy who cried wolf
The first book for analysis is The Boy Who Cried Wolf. This classic children’s book tells the story of a boy who cried wolf one too many times. When the young boy started to get bored watching his sheep, he decided to play a trick on the villagers. To entertain himself, the boy cried wolf and all of the villagers ran out to help him. However, there was no wolf. The next day, the boy cried wolf and again, everyone ran out to help. This time the villagers were very mad because the boy had tricked them again. The day after that, a wolf really did come and attack the boy’s sheep. When the boy cried wolf, nobody came to help because they did not believe him.
This story definitely has a moral theme. The lesson is to not tell lies. If ever the time comes that someone is telling the truth, people may not believe them. As in the story, this can have terrible consequences. Children can relate to the story by reflecting on a time when they did not tell the truth and the consequences from that. A quote from Friedrich Nietzsche states, “I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.” Children need to be taught that lying breaks a bond of trust. Once someone lies, it is hard to gain back that trust.
This story definitely has a moral theme. The lesson is to not tell lies. If ever the time comes that someone is telling the truth, people may not believe them. As in the story, this can have terrible consequences. Children can relate to the story by reflecting on a time when they did not tell the truth and the consequences from that. A quote from Friedrich Nietzsche states, “I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you.” Children need to be taught that lying breaks a bond of trust. Once someone lies, it is hard to gain back that trust.
Princess charity's courageous heart
The second book for analysis is Princess Charity’s Courageous Heart. Princess Charity disobeys her father and decides to run away. While out on her adventure, she finds a wounded dog lying on the side of the road. Princess Charity watches others stop to look at the dog but no one helps him. Her father had forbid her to go into the weeping forest where she found the dog. Princess Charity had to decide if she should break her father's orders, stay in the forest, and save the dog, or to turn a blind eye like everyone else. She ends up helping the dog and learns what true charity means.
The moral lesson in this story is helping others. In the back of the book, there is a section called parable thoughts. In this section, the author reviews the Princess’ story, the lesson that was learned, and then connects the lesson to a parable in the Bible. In Princess Charity’s Courageous Heart, children learn that real charity is showing love and mercy to those who are hurting and reaching out to help them.
The moral lesson in this story is helping others. In the back of the book, there is a section called parable thoughts. In this section, the author reviews the Princess’ story, the lesson that was learned, and then connects the lesson to a parable in the Bible. In Princess Charity’s Courageous Heart, children learn that real charity is showing love and mercy to those who are hurting and reaching out to help them.
The Boy Who Cried Wolf and Princess Charity’s Courageous Heart are both great books for children that contain a moral theme. The stories capture a child’s attention through beautifully illustrated pictures, relatable characters, and inspire a child to be the best they can be. Through these two books, children are learning two important life lessons. One is telling the truth and not lying, and the other is showing kindness and investing in others. When a parent or teacher reads these types of books to children and discusses the important content, I truly believe that these stories can affect a child’s life in a positive way.
Works Cited
Hennessy, B. G. The Boy Who Cried Wolf. New York: Simon & Schuster for Young Readers, 2006. Print.
Russell, David L. Literature for Children: A Short Introduction. 7th ed. New York: Longman, 1991. Print.
"Quotes About Lying." (134 Quotes). Good Reads Inc., 2012. Web. 14 Dec. 2012.
Young, Jeanna, and Jacqueline Johnson. Princess Charity's Courageous Heart. Grand Rapids, MI: Zonderkidz, 2012. Print.
Hennessy, B. G. The Boy Who Cried Wolf. New York: Simon & Schuster for Young Readers, 2006. Print.
Russell, David L. Literature for Children: A Short Introduction. 7th ed. New York: Longman, 1991. Print.
"Quotes About Lying." (134 Quotes). Good Reads Inc., 2012. Web. 14 Dec. 2012.
Young, Jeanna, and Jacqueline Johnson. Princess Charity's Courageous Heart. Grand Rapids, MI: Zonderkidz, 2012. Print.