Beat the Story-Drum, Pum-Pum (Aladdin Books)
on Goodreads (226)
What’s inside...
From Coretta Scott King Award-winning creator Ashley Bryan comes a rhythmic picture book of five Nigerian folktales. From the silly tale of a monkey's speech being sprinkled with shoo bee do's and hay baa ba ree bop's to the more poignant story of two young friends--a snake and a frog--being warned away from each other by their prejudiced mothers, these five tales and their striking woodcut illustrations are sure to enchant young readers.
Age
8-12
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Tortoise
Discussion points
How do you think the characters felt during their adventures?
What would you have done differently if you were in the story?
What lessons did the characters learn by the end of the story?
Can you think of a time when you had a similar experience to any of the characters?
Which part of the story was your favorite and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Ask them to relate the characters' experiences to their own life. This helps develop empathy and deeper understanding of the narrative. Emphasize the lessons learned in the story and discuss how they can be applied in everyday life. Lastly, celebrate their responses to show that their opinion is valued, which boosts their confidence and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: The story showcases characters that exemplify kindness and respect toward others, teaching children the value of these traits.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing kindness in their interactions with friends and family, helping to create a supportive community around them.
Example Lesson: The value of teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the book often work together to overcome obstacles, highlighting the effectiveness of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to work cooperatively in group settings such as school projects or during sports, understanding that collective efforts often lead to success.
Example Lesson: The virtues of perseverance
Explanation: Despite challenges, the story's characters keep striving towards their goals, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not give up easily in their own endeavors, be it learning a new skill or solving a difficult task.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural diversity
Explanation: The book is rich in African folklore, providing a window into a culture that may be different from the reader's own.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace and respect diverse cultures, which can further enhance social harmony and inclusiveness in their own environments.