Ben and Emma's Big Hit
What’s inside...
Ben and Emma's Big Hit is a heartwarming story about two siblings who work together to achieve their dreams. With determination and teamwork, they overcome obstacles and find success in their passion for music. This uplifting tale teaches valuable lessons about perseverance and the power of family support. From California Governor Gavin Newsom comes an empowering picture book about a young boy with dyslexia who discovers a new way to look at reading. Ben loves baseball and the lines of the diamond-shaped field and the dome of the pitcher's mound. However, he struggles with reading due to dyslexia, where letters and sounds get jumbled up in his brain. Inspired by his love for baseball, Ben starts looking at reading in a similar way and realizes that with persistence, he can overcome any obstacle. This story, inspired by Newsom's own childhood diagnosis of dyslexia, encourages readers to keep trying and that determination can lead to accomplishing big things. The book is set in a font specifically designed to be easier for people with dyslexia to read.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did Ben and Emma learn about teamwork in the story?
How did Ben and Emma handle winning or losing? What can we learn from their reactions?
Why is it important to practice and stay dedicated, just like Ben and Emma did with baseball?
What would you have done differently if you were in Ben or Emma’s shoes during their big game?
How do you think Ben and Emma felt when they worked together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the importance of teamwork and dedication by relating it to their personal experiences in sports or group activities.
Discuss the emotions of the characters in various scenarios within the book to help your child understand and express their own feelings.
Use the story's context to have a broader conversation about winning and losing, emphasizing that effort is as important as the outcome.
After reading the book, ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene and explain why they chose it to deepen their comprehension and recall.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Ben and Emma's successful collaboration in the story to win the big game underscores the importance of working together towards a common goal.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group projects or team sports, learning to value each team member's contributions and work cohesively.
Example Lesson: Practice and Perseverance
Explanation: The characters spend considerable time practicing before the big game, reflecting the idea that dedication and hard work lead to improvement.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to consistently practice their skills, whether academic or extracurricular, understanding that persistence is key to success.
Example Lesson: Good Sportsmanship
Explanation: After the game, Ben and Emma are respectful to their opponents, demonstrating good sportsmanship.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to be gracious in victory or defeat, promoting respect and kindness in competitive situations.
Example Lesson: Handling Disappointment
Explanation: The story highlights moments where Ben and Emma face setbacks but learn to overcome them without being discouraged.
Real-World Application: Children will learn to cope with small failures and setbacks, helping them develop resilience and a positive mindset in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment in Participation
Explanation: Beyond winning, Ben and Emma enjoy playing the game and being part of a team, which emphasizes that having fun is just as important as winning.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to find joy in the process of any activity rather than just focusing on the outcome, fostering a lifelong love for learning and playing.