Cinderella Smith: The More the Merrier
#2 of 3 in Cinderella Smith Series
What’s inside...
In Stephanie Barden’s The More the Merrier, middle-grade readers follow the story of Cinderella Smith as she navigates the challenges of the third-grade social scene in the second book of the Cinderella Smith series. A clique has formed in her class that excludes her, and along with her best friend, Erin, she tries to handle the situation while preparing for a spelling bee. The book addresses bullying in a gentle manner and highlights the importance of true friendship and hard work. Diane Goode's illustrations enrich the story, making it a delightful read for young readers and their parents.
Character compass
Cinderella Smith
Erin
Uncle Boris
Aunt Flora
Ariel
Discussion points
Why do you think Cinderella Smith feels happier when she's with her friends at school?
How do the different characters in the book handle conflicts or disagreements?
What are some ways Cinderella shows kindness to others?
Can you relate to any of Cinderella's experiences at school or with her friends?
What would you do if you were in Cinderella's shoes in one of the situations she faced?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about their personal connections with the story, asking if they've ever felt similar to Cinderella in some situations.
Discuss the importance of friendship and support, drawing parallels between the book's characters and your child's own relationships.
Highlight Cinderella's conflict-resolution skills, asking your child how they might resolve similar situations in school or with friends.
Use examples from the book to discuss the impact of kindness and empathy towards others.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or solutions to challenges faced by Cinderella, fostering creative thinking and empathy.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Cinderella Smith works together with her friends to solve problems and achieve common goals, highlighting the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children can apply teamwork skills in school projects or team sports, learning how to cooperate and value each other’s input for better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Emphasizing Kindness
Explanation: Cinderella consistently demonstrates kindness to others regardless of the situation, teaching the value of empathy and compassion.
Real-World Application: Children learn to practice kindness in their interactions with peers and adults, fostering positive relationships and understanding different perspectives.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: Despite facing various obstacles, Cinderella Smith maintains a positive attitude and perseverance, overcoming difficulties with determination.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to stay determined during challenging times in their academic or personal lives, understanding that perseverance leads to success.
Example Lesson: Value of Honesty
Explanation: Cinderella is truthful and maintains her integrity even when she could easily deceive others for personal gain, which reinforces the importance of honesty.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to always tell the truth and maintain their integrity, building a trustworthy character and gaining respect from others.