Gibberish
on Goodreads (1,427)
What’s inside...
It's Dat's first day of school in a new country, and he doesn't know the language. Everything sounds like gibberish to him, making it difficult to connect with his classmates. However, a friendly girl in his class shows him that there are other ways to communicate besides talking. With her help, Dat starts to make sense of the gibberish and begins to make new friends. This book has received accolades from various organizations and has been recognized as a recommended book by multiple libraries and associations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the characters in 'Gibberish' felt when they couldn't understand each other?
How do you feel when you don't understand something, and what do you do to make it clearer?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone understand something better?
What do you think the story teaches us about communication and friendship?
How would you solve a misunderstanding between friends, like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own experiences related to misunderstandings or confusion, mirroring the book’s theme. Use open-ended questions to explore their thoughts and feelings. Highlight the importance of clear communication and empathy by discussing character actions and responses. Reassure them that misunderstandings are common and solvable through patience and dialogue. Compliment their insights to boost their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: In 'undefined,' characters consistently demonstrate acts of kindness towards each other, reinforcing the value of this behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing, helping friends in need, and being courteous in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Value of perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges but never gives up, illustrating the significance of persistence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to continue trying in the face of difficulties, whether it be in school tasks or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Embracing diversity
Explanation: Diverse characters in the book interact harmoniously, showing the beauty of inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect people from different backgrounds and cultures in their communities and schools.
Example Lesson: Creative problem-solving
Explanation: Characters in the story often use imaginative solutions to tackle problems, highlighting the benefits of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to think outside the box during playtime or while working through conflicts.