Ellis the Zombie Goes to Kindergarten
What’s inside...
Being different is something to celebrate! Join Ellis on an unforgettable journey to kindergarten, where he makes ooey-gooey zombie slime and new friends. Little Ellis the Zombie wakes up on the very best day. He is excited to start kindergarten — to learn and play. As you can imagine, quirky Ellis hits a snag along the way. He is unlike other boys and girls but is a reminder that all friendships are meaningful creations.
Age
4-7
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Ellis feel on his first day of kindergarten? Can you relate to his feelings?
What did Ellis do to make new friends? What would you do in a similar situation?
Why do you think the other children were scared of Ellis at first?
How did Ellis change the minds of his classmates about him? What does this teach us about friendship?
If you were to meet someone like Ellis, how would you treat them?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the questions, emphasize the importance of understanding and celebrating differences.
Encourage your child to share their personal experiences related to starting school or meeting new people.
Use examples from the book to illustrate kindness and inclusivity, and ask your child how they can apply these in their own life.
Promote empathy by asking your child how they think Ellis felt during various parts of the story and why empathy is important in friendships.
Ask your child to imagine what happens next, or how they could continue Ellis’s story, to foster creative thinking and storytelling skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: In the story, Ellis the zombie is initially met with hesitation by his classmates due to his differences. Over time, they learn to accept and embrace Ellis's unique qualities.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and accept the differences in others around them, whether they relate to appearance, abilities, or backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite facing initial rejection, Ellis shows resilience by continuing to be himself and participating in school activities. His perseverance helps his classmates see beyond his zombie nature.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of staying true to oneself and persisting through challenges or when faced with exclusion.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: Ellis makes friends who appreciate him for who he is, demonstrating the importance of forming genuine connections based on acceptance and kindness.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by fostering friendships that are inclusive and supportive, learning to be good friends who value others for their true selves.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story shows Ellis's classmates learning to empathize with him, understanding that despite his scary appearance, he has feelings and desires friendships like they do.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be empathetic towards others who may seem different, promoting emotional intelligence and compassion in social interactions.