Boris and Borsch (Little Ark Book)
The New Library of Psychoanalysis Series
What’s inside...
Honour book for the 1991 CBC awards. When their grandmother sends neat, well-behaved Eugene an adventurous teddy bear named Boris, and his wild cousin Patrick a sweet-natured bear called Borsch, it takes a while before the two bears end up where they belong.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Boris felt when he first discovered Borsch, and why?
How did Boris and Borsch help each other in the story? Can you think of a time you helped a friend or a friend helped you?
What are some ways Boris showed he cared for Borsch? How do you show care for your friends or pets?
If you were Boris, what would you have done differently in the story and why?
How do animals like Borsch make our lives more interesting or better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating their own experiences to those of Boris.
Ask your child to describe the characters in their own words, fostering their descriptive and observational skills.
Discuss the importance of friendship and care. Draw parallels with the child’s own life to deepen their understanding of empathy.
Prompt your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to boost their creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship
Explanation: In 'Boris and Borsch', the relationship between Boris and his pet pig, Borsch, highlights the significance of companionship and loyalty.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that caring for others is rewarding.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and care for pets
Explanation: Boris shows care and responsibility towards Borsch, teaching young readers about the dedication required to look after pets.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by taking active roles in caring for their pets, learning to feed, groom, and spend quality time with them.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, Boris encounters various challenges which he must overcome using his wit and resources, demonstrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think critically and creatively when faced with obstacles, whether in school projects or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Boris shows perseverance despite difficulties, conveying that persistence is key to achieving goals.
Real-World Application: This instills a mindset of resilience in children, teaching them to not easily give up in their endeavors, be it in academics, sports, or personal goals.