Monsoon
What’s inside...
Children play, birds call, and grownups go about their business during the hot days of summer in northern India. But in the bustle of street and marketplace, everyone is watching, waiting for those magical clouds to bring their gift of rain to the land. Through the observations of one young girl, the scents and sounds, the dazzling colors, and the breathless anticipation of a parched cityscape are vividly evoked during the final days before the welcome arrival of the monsoon. Rhythmic prose and vivid chalk pastels flood the senses and take the reader on a tour of diverse urban India.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the way the community prepared for the monsoon? How would you prepare?
How did the different characters in the book feel about the monsoon arriving? Which character’s feelings did you relate to the most?
The monsoon changed the setting of the story significantly. What changes did you notice? How do you think it affected the people and animals?
What are some of the ways the characters in the story passed time while waiting for the rain? What are your favorite rainy day activities?
If you could describe the monsoon using all five senses, what words would you use? How do you think the monsoon impacts the environment?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create an immersive experience by discussing personal or family experiences related to weather changes, setting the stage for a deeper connection with the book.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider the feelings and reactions of different characters, enhancing their ability to understand diverse perspectives.
Promote critical thinking by asking your child to explain how weather can impact daily life and the environment. This deepens their understanding of interconnections in the world.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing scenes from the book or writing a short story about a rainy day, fostering a creative outlet for expression.
Use descriptive language from the book and involve all senses when discussing scenes to help your child improve their observational and descriptive skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of patience
Explanation: In 'Monsoon', the story revolves around waiting for the rainy season to begin in India, which teaches the value of patience as the characters anticipate the monsoon.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to wait calmly for events or moments in their lives, from small things like waiting their turn to play a game, to bigger events like family vacations or holidays.
Example Lesson: Understanding and appreciation of different cultures
Explanation: The book offers a glimpse into Indian culture through its descriptions of the landscape, food, and the monsoon festival. This helps children learn to appreciate and respect cultural diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and respect different cultures and traditions that exist in their own communities and schools, fostering a sense of inclusivity and curiosity.
Example Lesson: Community and togetherness
Explanation: As the community in the story comes together to prepare and celebrate the arrival of the monsoon, it highlights the importance of community support and togetherness.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the value of participating in community events and working together with others towards common goals, enhancing their sense of belonging and teamwork.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to change
Explanation: The book shows how people and nature adapt to the changing seasons, particularly the drastic shift brought by the monsoon rains. It teaches adaptability and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be adaptable by adjusting to changes in their own environments, such as weather changes, moving to a new place, or transitioning to a new school year.
Example Lesson: Joy and celebration in natural phenomena
Explanation: The monsoon season, though disruptive, is portrayed as a joyous, life-giving event that is celebrated by the community. This teaches children to find joy and positivity in natural occurrences.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to appreciate and find beauty in nature, such as enjoying the seasons, the rain, or even observing how plants grow, fostering an early love and respect for the environment.