My Name is Sunshine Simpson
What’s inside...
Meet Sunshine Simpson - a brand-new best friend for 9+ readers! Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson. Sunshine Simpson's larger-than-life Grandad always encourages her to seek adventures, but she seems to attract bad luck. Her new friend Evie is becoming a frenemy, her home haircut is a disaster, and the school showcase is extremely stressful. With her Grandad aging, Sunshine must find her voice and show the world that she can shine, despite the setbacks.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-10
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Sunshine Simpson was given her name? How does her name reflect her personality or actions in the story?
What challenges does Sunshine face, and how does she handle them? Can you think of a time when you faced a similar situation?
How do the other characters in the book react to Sunshine? What does this teach us about friendship and kindness?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
If you could ask Sunshine Simpson one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and curious tone when posing questions to make the discussion feel like a fun exploration rather than a test.
Share your own thoughts and responses to the book to model thoughtful engagement and encourage your child to open up.
Relate the themes or situations in the book to real-life events or personal experiences that your child might find relatable.
Encourage your child to draw a scene from the book, which can serve as a visual aid to deepen the conversation about the story’s themes.
Praise your child for their insights and thoughts to boost their confidence and encourage a love for reading and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing uniqueness
Explanation: Throughout 'My Name is Sunshine Simpson,' the protagonist, Sunshine, learns to appreciate her unique name and the qualities that make her special.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and celebrate their unique traits, promoting self-esteem and discouraging comparison with others.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Sunshine navigates various social scenarios and discovers the value of making and maintaining friendships.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cultivate meaningful relationships and develop social skills necessary for collaborative environments like school and sports.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of challenges
Explanation: Sunshine encounters challenges that initially discourage her, but she learns to overcome them with perseverance and a positive attitude.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to adopt a resilient mindset, helping them manage setbacks in schoolwork, personal projects, or social interactions.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As Sunshine interacts with diverse characters, she learns to understand different perspectives and show empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of empathy, enhancing their ability to relate to peers and promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Joy in discovery and learning
Explanation: The book highlights Sunshine’s curiosity and her joy in learning new things, whether about people, places, or herself.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to remain curious and enthusiastic about learning, fostering a lifelong love for education and personal growth.