In "The Three Golden Keys" Peter takes us with him on a journey to the old city of Prague where he grew up. His hot-air balloon is blown of the course and he lands in Prague. He finds the way to his old home where he sees the old family cat which he follows around the city. The old family home has three rusty padlocks on the door for which he must finds the keys. He follows the family cat through the empty streets to the library, Emperor's garden, and the famous town-square clock. In each of these old places figures from the past emerge from the wall and unroll a scroll that holds the key and relate to traditional Czech legends of Prince Bruncvik and his magic sword, the Golem and Hanus, the clockmaker. The three golden keys will unlock the door of his past and secrets of his soul. Peter Sis is celebrating the cultural heritage of Prague that was reborn after forty-five years of communist rule. This picture book created an interest for for the Eastern block in the post World War II period of Eastern Europe and their experience with Soviet dominance. It also triggered my interest and desire to explore Prague. I had felt all of sudden desire to follow in the footsteps of author through the pathways of this lovely European city. It made me wonder how the author must have felt for all those years he was not able to visit Prague as he got political asylant. What was his feeling when he visited Prague after so many years when Czech republic was not communist country and under Soviet domination. I have heard all the best thing of Prague. They call it golden Prague.
After reading the story I would show children pictures of Prague that I would find online, I would show them atlas of Europe, the way it looks like now and during the Cold war. I would show them some photos that represent Czech republic in general so we can learn about the country. I would also have students write about the places they have visited, about countries they would like to visit and to explain why those in particular.
No comments:
Post a Comment