We read an illustrated book where The Lorax and the Once-ler butted heads over environmental issues. What is the name of the story and the theme?
The Lorax
If you see something terrible going on in the world, it is your responsibility to stand up to it.
If you prioritize money/greed over everything else, you will eventually end up with nothing.
We read a story about a safari group that goes back in time to hunt a T-Rex, but their hunt goes terribly wrong. What is the name and theme of that story?
The Sound of Thunder
Small actions can have giant consequences.
What is the difference between the main idea of a story and the theme of a story?
The main idea is mostly what the story is about (a short summary). The theme is the life lesson or moral that the author wants us to remember. It may have nothing to do with the details of the story itself.