A Christian Research Institute
Resources
Introducing a dog called Cumberland
Cumberland lives with granny and grandad and catches up young James and Fran in his adventures when they come and stay at granny and grandad's house.
This series of books invites you to share in Cumberland's adventures alongside James and Fran, exploring issues that really matter. These issues include love, joy, feeling alone, enjoying company, being sad, and being happy.
These stories for 3- to-7-year olds are published by the St Mary's Centre's Bear Lands Publishing and authored by David W. Lankshear. They are freely available as downloadable PowerPoint presentations - simply click on the title below, open the PowerPoint, and go to slideshow to read the story!
How the dog got his name
This book could be about the importance of names and why we choose names carefully. It could be about annoying older brothers or having a nice time with families and the giving and receiving of love. Better still it might be about whatever those who hear the story think it is about, but you will only discover what children think it is about by talking with them.Cumberland and the journey of a brick
This book could be about the
usefulness of bricks and the
different types of brick we see around us. It might be about how we
feel when
we are not wanted or we are told we are the wrong size, shape or colour
to fit
in. It could also be about feeling useful, but most likely the children
that
you read this story with will have their own ideas on what it is about.
Cumberland and the summer walk
This
book
is about what we think is beautiful or what we like and stopping to
consider these.
It might also be about all the nice secrets and talks that children
share with
their cuddly toys, which as adults we rarely are privileged to hear. Of
course,
for the child or children that you read this book with, it could be
about
something else entirely.
Cumberland and the unhappy day
This book might be about being unhappy and angry, it might be about hurting your friends. It might be about putting things right and the giving and receiving of love. Better still it might be about whatever those who hear the story think it is about, but you will only discover what children think it is about by talking with them.
Cumberland at Christmas
This
book
could be about feeling left out. It could present opportunities to talk
about Christmas
and the family traditions that form part of the festival. It could be
about the differences between meeting people in your own home or going
to visit
them in theirs. Better still it might be about whatever those who hear
the
story think it is about, but you will only discover what children think
it is
about by talking with them.
Cumberland in goal
This
book
could be about fairness or about not spoiling a nice time by making a
fuss. You
might want to talk about whether those hearing the story thought Fran
was right
to let James say it was a draw. It might be about who should be the one
to go
in goal. It could be about annoying
older brothers or having a nice time with
families. Better still it might be about whatever those who hear the
story
think it is about, but you will only discover what children think it is
about
by talking with them.
Cumberland and feeling sad
Children often blame themselves and
‘naughty’ things they
have done for experiences that are not caused by them at all but which
they
feel bad about. This might be one of the things that this story raises
as might
keeping secrets or leaving toys out in the garden. Better still it might be about whatever those
who hear the story think it is about, but you will only discover what
children
think it is about by talking with them.
Where is Cumberland?
This
book
could be about getting lost or perhaps searching for something that has
been lost.
It could be about families working together – everybody trying to help.
Better
still it might be about whatever those who hear the story think it is
about,
but you will only discover what children think it is about by talking
with
them.