BRAVO ZAN ANGELO ! : A Commedia Dell'Arte Tale with Story and Pictures
What’s inside...
Angelo longs to be a clown as famous as his grandfather once was, even though his grandfather thinks Angelo is too young. This exuberant tale, based around the commedia dell'arte tradition, recreates the spirit of Venice during the Carnival. A Commedia dell'Arte Tale set in the sun-drenched streets of Renaissance Venice. Angelo longs to be a clown as famous as his grandfather Zan Polo. But times have changed and Venetians no longer flock to see Zan Polo's commedia dell'arte troupe perform in the Piazza San Marco. On Carnival Day, Zan Polo reluctantly gives his grandson a small part, and Angelo rushes off, bursting with ideas, to visit the mask and costume makers and Aunt Rosa-bella's farmyard. Things don't go quite as planned for Angelo -- but that afternoon he redeems himself and revives his family's fortunes in a most surprising way. Celebrate the first triumph of a very young actor in Niki Daly's winning, lushly illustrated new picture book.
Age
5-8
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Zan Angelo so courageous?
How do you feel about the way Zan Angelo solved his problems?
Can you think of a time when you had to use your imagination to solve a problem, just like Zan Angelo?
What did you learn about friendship from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the characters and their actions.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, which can help them relate better to the story.
Ask your child to imagine alternate endings for the story or different ways the characters could solve their issues.
Discuss the importance of creativity and courage in daily life, reinforcing how these themes play out in the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: In 'Bravo Zan Angelo!', characters collaborate to put on a Commedia Dell'Arte performance, demonstrating how working together can lead to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with others in activities such as school projects or sports, fostering teamwork from a young age.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: The book showcases characters using their unique talents in the performance, emphasizing creativity and self-expression.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore and embrace their talents in arts or other creative endeavors, enhancing their self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Zan Angelo and his troupe encounter and overcome various obstacles to successfully perform their play, instilling the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand the importance of persisting through difficulties, whether it's completing a challenging assignment or resolving a conflict.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse roles
Explanation: Through different characters playing specific roles in the play, the book highlights how everyone's contributions are vital, regardless of the role size.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to value and respect different roles and responsibilities in group settings, promoting inclusivity and cooperation.