Tough Boris facts for kids
 |
|
| Author | Mem Fox |
|---|---|
| Illustrator | Kathryn Brown |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Children's picture book |
| Published | 1994 (HMH Books for Young Readers) |
| Media type | Print (hardback) |
| Pages | 32 (unpaginated) |
| ISBN | 9780152896126 |
| OCLC | 28257302 |
Tough Boris is a special picture book for children, first published in 1994. It was written by the famous Australian author Mem Fox. The story is about a pirate named Boris who seems very strong and fearless, but he experiences a deep sadness when his beloved parrot dies. A young boy helps Boris through this difficult time, showing that even tough people need comfort and friendship.
Contents
Exploring Tough Boris
What is the Story About?
Tough Boris tells the story of a pirate who is known for being very brave and rough. He has a big, scary ship and a loyal parrot. The book shows his daily life as a pirate, full of adventure and excitement. However, the story takes a turn when Boris's parrot passes away. This event makes the tough pirate feel very sad and heartbroken.
The book then introduces a young boy who understands Boris's pain. The boy helps Boris deal with his grief, showing him kindness and support. This part of the story teaches us that it's okay to feel sad and that true strength can also mean showing your feelings and accepting help from others. It's a powerful message about friendship and emotions.
Who are the Main Characters?
The main characters in Tough Boris are:
- Boris: He is the pirate captain. Boris is shown as a very strong and traditional pirate. He has a patch over one eye, a wooden leg, and a parrot on his shoulder. Despite his tough appearance, he has a deep love for his parrot. When his parrot dies, Boris shows his true feelings of sadness, which makes him a very relatable character.
- The Boy: This young character is not named, but he plays a very important role. He is the one who notices Boris's sadness and offers comfort. The boy represents kindness and empathy. He helps Boris understand that it's okay to cry and grieve. Their interaction highlights the power of friendship and understanding.
- The Parrot: Boris's parrot is a beloved companion. Even though the parrot doesn't speak, its presence is very important to Boris. The parrot's death is the main event that triggers Boris's emotional journey in the story.
Important Lessons from the Book
Tough Boris teaches several valuable lessons for young readers:
- It's Okay to Be Sad: The book shows that even people who seem very strong can feel sad. Boris, the tough pirate, cries when his parrot dies. This teaches children that expressing sadness is a normal and healthy part of life.
- Friendship and Empathy: The boy's actions show the importance of being kind and understanding towards others. He doesn't judge Boris for crying but instead offers comfort. This highlights how friends can support each other through difficult times.
- Grief is a Process: The story gently introduces the idea of grief and loss. It shows that feeling sad after losing someone or something important is natural. It also suggests that having support from others can help you cope.
- Looks Can Be Deceiving: Boris looks like a very scary pirate, but inside, he has deep feelings. This reminds us not to judge people only by their appearance. Everyone has feelings, no matter how they look on the outside.
About the Author, Mem Fox
Mem Fox is a very well-known Australian author who writes many popular children's books. She was born in Australia in 1946. She has written over 40 books for children, and her stories are loved all around the world. Mem Fox often writes about important themes like friendship, love, and understanding. Some of her other famous books include Possum Magic and Where Is the Green Sheep?. Her books are known for their simple but powerful messages and engaging stories.
