Doña Esmeralda, Who Ate Everything!
What’s inside...
A silly, laugh-out-loud read-aloud picture book debut from #1 New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz, featuring a stylish little lady named Doña Esmeralda from the Philippines who loves to eat. However, she can only find the messy leftovers of naughty children to snack on. The story takes a wickedly hilarious turn when she discovers all the delicious treats that children actually eat, embarking on a voracious adventure consuming everything in sight. This cumulative tale, inspired by stories from the author's childhood, promises an entertaining ride filled with laughter and mischief.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Doña Esmeralda to eat everything? How did it make her feel?
How did the other characters react to Doña Esmeralda's actions? What would you have done in their place?
What are some of the consequences that came from Doña Esmeralda's eating habits?
How does the story show the importance of moderation and balance?
If you could give Doña Esmeralda advice, what would you tell her?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own lives by asking how they make choices about what to eat and how much.
Discuss the concept of consequences by asking your child to predict what might happen next after certain events in the book.
Help your child understand the characters' emotions by asking how they would feel in similar situations.
Reinforce the story's lessons by asking your child to think of alternative solutions to the problems presented in the book.
Emphasize the value of balance and moderation by discussing different aspects of life where these principles can be applied.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of moderation
Explanation: Doña Esmeralda's extreme eating habits lead to various humorous but troublesome scenarios that underline the consequences of overindulgence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply moderation in their everyday activities, such as eating, playing, or watching television, to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
Example Lesson: Understanding consequences
Explanation: Throughout the book, each action Doña Esmeralda takes has a clear consequence, teaching children that every decision has a result.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the concept of cause and effect, enhancing their decision-making skills in social interactions and personal choices.
Example Lesson: Empathy and caring
Explanation: As the story progresses, other characters show concern and offer help to Doña Esmeralda, depicting acts of kindness.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be empathetic towards others' feelings and situations, promoting a caring attitude in their real-life interactions.
Example Lesson: The joy of sharing
Explanation: Doña Esmeralda learns to share her abundance with friends, which brings her happiness and strengthens her friendships.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of sharing with siblings, friends, and even those less fortunate, cultivating generosity and social bonds.
Example Lesson: Limit setting
Explanation: The book demonstrates how Doña Esmeralda's friends and family help her set limits, leading to positive changes in her life.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of setting personal boundaries and respecting others' boundaries, crucial for their psychological development and interpersonal relationships.