Overview and Outcomes:

This is a three-week Writing Root using Jim: A Cautionary Tale by Hilaire Belloc in which children begin by exploring a range of scenarios and their consequences, before warning the main character Jim about the consequences of his actions.  Later in the sequence of learning, children will write a letter of apology from Jim to his Nurse, and also consider possible alternative endings to the tale.  There will be the chance to learn and perform sections of the narrative poem before children create their own cautionary tale.  We would advise having a selection of other cautionary tales available for children to read, e.g. by Hilaire Belloc and David Lucas.  Make these available in the class library and use during the teaching of reading.

Synopsis of Text:

Award-winning illustrator Mini Grey turns her inimitable hand to Hilaire Belloc's classic cautionary tale of Jim: who ran away from his Nurse and was eaten by a Lion!

First published in 1907, Belloc's wickedly funny poem describing the sad end of Jim is now fabulously illustrated by Mini Grey for an extra-special new edition. This is darkly comic, word of warning about the dangers of being spoiled is the perfect tongue-in-cheek corrective for little ones who have been a little overindulged!

Text Rationale:

One of the most well-known cautionary tales from the Victorian era, Hilaire Belloc’s re-telling is both captivating and educational in equal measure.  Illustrated by celebrated children’s author Mini Grey, the story is presented in an engaging style with lift-the-flaps, fold-out and pop-up pages which mirror the historic setting of the book and will capture children’s attention from the start. Discussions will lead naturally towards morals and how to behave appropriately and links could also be made with historical studies of the Victorians.

Links and themes:

Cautionary tales, narrative poetry, classic verse, behaviour expectations, listening to advice

Date written: April 2014

Updated: April 2023