Pistes d'exploration

Discuss Miss Rumphius’ life. Would you describe it as interesting? Why or why not?

Write about what you would like to do or be when you grow up. 

Write about what you could do to make the world more beautiful. Share your ideas with a friend.

Research someone that you believe has made the world a better place. Present your findings to the class.

Sequence the story. Retell it to a partner.

Map out the countries Miss Rumphius has visited.

Discuss changing the world a bit at a time. Who do you know who does something to make the world a better place? (Consider reading this story during volunteer week.) Write a thank-you note to that person.

Write a description of the person’s work (see above activity). Add their picture or photo and post it in the school halls to acknowledge their gift to your community. 

Mots-clés

Picture book , determination , dreams , intergenerational relationships , quests , role models , travel

Commentaire descriptif

Exquisite artwork, featuring acrylic and coloured pencil illustrations, have an old-fashioned feel that help tell the inspiring story of Miss Rumphius, an endearing spinster who makes it her mission to scatter lupine seeds everywhere she goes. Loosely based on Maine’s legendary “Lupine Lady,” the story begins with a restless young Alice Rumphius who wants to travel to faraway lands and live in a house by the sea. Her grandfather advises her that it isn’t enough to simply follow her own dreams; she must also “do something to make the world more beautiful.” Though such times rarely saw a woman setting out on her own, Alice is determined. She grows up, travels and does end up by the seaside, where she finally discovers her true life purpose. This inspirational read-aloud has a timelessness that will resonate with successive generations, as it conveys the important message that everyone can do a little something to improve life for others.