Orange Peel's Pocket
on Goodreads (115)
What’s inside...
One day in class, Orange Peel, who got her nickname by eating orange peels when she was little, and her classmates learn about China. Everyone starts to ask Orange Peel questions about the country because they know that's where she was born. But she doesn't have all the answers. So Orange Peel joins her mother on her neighborhood errands to find out. Many of the shops they visit are owned by people who also were born in China. Each has a story to tell Orange Peel. She visits Mr. Fan the tailor, who speaks about silk; Ma Sang, who owns an antiques store and also writes poetry; Mrs. Liu at the flower shop; Mr. Yu, whose restaurant makes “best there ever was” noodle soup; and Jasmine at the ice cream shop. Orange Peel can't wait to tell the kids at school about China's influence on all of these things, but first she discovers a number of gifts that have been slipped into her pocket by the store owners: silk, a poem, a peony, a noodle soup recipe, and a lucky red knot. Orange Peel is overjoyed, as the treasures she's found link her to the place where she was born. Rose Lewis's text is a wonderful look into China's influence on history and the modern world. Exciting new illustrator Grace Zong brings the story to life through her modern and thoughtful art.
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Orange Peel America Louise
Discussion points
How do you think Orange Peel felt when she found something unexpected in her pocket?
Why is it important to share discoveries with others, like Orange Peel did?
What would you do if you found something mysterious like Orange Peel?
Can you think of a time when you shared something exciting with someone else? How did it make you feel?
What other adventures can you imagine Orange Peel going on?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive and animated tones while discussing Orange Peel's reactions to enhance the emotional understanding of the character's experiences.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own life by asking about similar experiences they’ve had. It builds empathy and personal connection to the story.
After reading the book, have your child draw a picture of what they think was in Orange Peel’s pocket or let them write a short story about another adventure.
Discuss the importance of curiosity and exploration, highlighting how these themes are shown in the book and why they matter in real life.
Praise their thoughts and ideas during the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing themselves and engaging more deeply with reading material.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Family Bonds
Explanation: In 'Orange Peel's Pocket,' the closeness between Orange Peel and her family is beautifully illustrated as they share daily activities and support each other's ventures.
Real-World Application: Children will learn to appreciate and nurture relationships with family members, understanding that family is a source of love and support in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Importance of Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Throughout the book, Orange Peel's curious nature leads her to explore her surroundings, which results in exciting discoveries and learning opportunities.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be inquisitive about the world around them, enhancing their learning experience and fostering a lifelong love for exploration.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Resourcefulness
Explanation: Orange Peel uses her pocket to collect items that spark her creativity. Her ability to find innovative uses for everyday objects showcases her resourcefulness.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to use their imagination and think creatively to solve problems or create new things from ordinary objects.
Example Lesson: Sharing with Others
Explanation: Orange Peel shares the treasures she finds and the experiences she has with her friends and family, promoting the value of sharing.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand the importance of generosity and how sharing can lead to collective happiness and stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Learning from Nature
Explanation: The character’s interaction with natural elements plays a significant role in her adventures, teaching her valuable lessons.
Real-World Application: It highlights the importance of the natural world in childhood development and encourages kids to respect and learn from nature.