Have Fun, Anna Hibiscus! (Walker Racing Reads)
#4 in Anna Hibiscus Series
What’s inside...
Anna Hibiscus, a young girl who lives in Africa, travels to Canada for the first time to visit her grandmother for Christmas. She has never met Granny Canada and is excited to see snow. In Canada, Anna experiences many new things such as the cold weather, different foods, and Granny's dog, Qimmac. Although she misses her family back in Africa, Anna makes new friends and enjoys playing in the snow and celebrating Christmas with her grandmother.
Character compass
Anna Hibiscus
Anna'S Father
Granny Canada
Discussion points
What do you think Anna Hibiscus feels when she visits her family in Canada?
How do the different settings in the story, from Africa to Canada, influence Anna and her adventures?
What can we learn from the way Anna interacts with her cousins and other characters?
How does Anna solve the problems she faces in the story?
What parts of Anna's story would you like to experience yourself and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their daily experiences with Anna’s, discussing both similarities and differences.
Ask your child to imagine their own story set in a foreign country and how they would feel meeting new family members.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book, fostering an appreciation for diversity.
Use the book’s illustrations to spur conversations on how visual elements help tell a story and convey emotion.
Prompt your child to think about problem-solving by asking how they would handle situations similar to those faced by Anna.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Diversity
Explanation: Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa but travels to Canada, experiencing stark cultural differences. Her journey teaches children the value of embracing and respecting other cultures.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and find joy in meeting people from different backgrounds, broadening their perspectives from a young age.
Example Lesson: Value of Family
Explanation: Throughout her adventures, Anna remains connected to her family in Africa, showing the importance of family ties despite physical distance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to maintain strong relationships with family members, understanding that physical distance doesn't diminish familial love.
Example Lesson: Adaptability and Resilience
Explanation: Anna faces challenges adjusting to a new environment and weather in Canada but learns to adapt and find happiness.
Real-World Application: This story equips children with the mindset to adapt to new situations like changing schools or cities, emphasizing resilience.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Anna's curious nature about the snowy environment in Canada leads her to learn and grow from her new experiences.
Real-World Application: Fosters a love for learning and exploration in children, encouraging them to ask questions and actively engage with their surroundings.