Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Paulette's Chair

film

Paulette's Chair

2014

Paulette plays in the back yard, in the shade of a tall tree, with her doll, somewhere out in the countryside. Secretly watching other children have fun without her makes her sad. Then suddenly the wooden chair she is sitting on begins to move, and throws her off. She bravely gets on the chair again, which starts to buck like a wild horse, making her very happy. Racing through the countryside, the chair then throws her off, right into the middle of the group of playing children, helping her overcome her shyness.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes1/5
  • Violence1/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Frightening scenes1/5
Why this rating?

The chair coming to life is portrayed as a fun, magical experience.

Violence1/5
Why this rating?

The chair bucks and throws Paulette off several times in comic, non-injurious slapstick.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Paulette bravely gets back on the chair after being thrown off, showing resilience.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

A magically alive chair, imaginative play, and an inventive journey strongly encourage fantasy and imagination.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

The story includes a group of children and a shy protagonist, but the available synopsis gives no clear range of backgrounds, abilities, or identities.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on social-emotional learning regarding loneliness and play.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Kindness and inclusion are implied as the goal of the social interaction.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The story supports facing shyness, joining others, friendship, and finding joy in an unusual situation.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist shows initiative in overcoming shyness.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Paulette's Chair would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Paulette's Chair, and what caused that change?
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