If I Were King
on Goodreads (40)
What’s inside...
The story follows a young protagonist who dreams of what it would be like to be a king, exploring a fantastical world filled with adventure and whimsy. As the child imagines the various aspects of ruling a kingdom, they learn about the responsibilities that come with power and the importance of kindness and wisdom.
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you were king for a day? How would you help others?
How do you think the characters felt when their wishes were granted?
What does being kind mean to you, and how can you show kindness every day?
If you had magical powers, what would you change about the world and why?
What did you learn about leadership and responsibility from the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on what you would do if you were king or had magical powers, to model openness.
Encourage your child to think deeply about the feelings of characters by asking them to relate to situations in their own life.
Highlight the moral of being kind and responsible, and connect these themes to real-life situations your child may encounter.
Praise your child for thoughtful responses and ideas, reinforcing their confidence in expressing their thoughts.
Use the book's illustrations to help your child visualize and connect more deeply with the story's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The protagonist of 'If I Were King' imagines ruling a kingdom, learning to make decisions that affect others. This instills an understanding of the weight and impact of leadership roles.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by taking charge of small tasks at home or in school, learning to be reliable and conscientious in their duties.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Through interactions with subjects in the imagined kingdom, the young protagonist learns to consider the feelings and needs of others, promoting empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice putting themselves in someone else's shoes, helping peers or sharing, to understand and value others' perspectives.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: The story's setting in a fantastical kingdom encourages children to use their imagination extensively, showing the importance of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in creative activities like drawing, storytelling, or imaginative play to enhance their cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding Consequences
Explanation: The protagonist learns that every decision made as a ruler has consequences, teaching the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children think through their choices, whether it's deciding how to treat a friend or choosing what tasks to prioritize.
Example Lesson: Leadership
Explanation: The child, as king, navigates leadership challenges and learns to be a fair and just leader, inspiring others.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to take on leadership roles in group activities or class projects, developing integrity and fairness in their interactions.