Rickie & Henri: A True Story
What’s inside...
Rickie the chimpanzee loved living with her mother in the rain forests of Central Africa, warm and safe. Until the day the hunters came, and took Rickie away to sell at a Congolese market. Luckily, she was rescued by a kind man who adopted Rickie and cared for her. Best of all, he provided an unexpected friend in his dog Henri. This true story of friendship is heart-warmingly brought to life by renowned scientist Dr. Jane Goodall.
Age
5-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Rickie and Henri become such good friends despite being different animals?
How do you think Henri felt when he first met Rickie?
What are some ways that Rickie and Henri showed they cared for each other?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone, just like Henri helped Rickie?
Why is it important to help and be kind to others, even if they are different from us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child how they feel about the friendship between Rickie and Henri, listening closely to their thoughts and feelings.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking if they've ever had an unlikely friendship.
Highlight the acts of kindness in the story and discuss with your child how these actions made a difference to the characters.
Ask your child about the emotions they think each character felt at different points in the story, helping them understand perspectives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story presents Rickie, an orphaned chimpanzee, who is nurtured back to health by a dog named Henri. Through their interactions, the narrative highlights the understanding and compassion shared between different species.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by showing empathy towards peers and animals, understanding that kindness is universal and not limited by differences.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: Rickie faces significant challenges after losing her mother, yet with Henri's support, she manages to thrive. This arc conveys the importance of resilience and recovery.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to remain strong during tough times and seek support from those around them, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Example Lesson: The Healing Power of Friendship
Explanation: The bond between Rickie and Henri illustrates how friendships can provide emotional and physical healing, showcasing the comfort and security that comes from such relationships.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of building and maintaining friendships, offering them a support network that can help navigate challenges throughout their lives.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature and Wildlife
Explanation: By depicting the life of a chimpanzee, the book underlines the importance of respecting and protecting wildlife and natural habitats.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to be conscious of the environment, promoting activities that protect nature and understanding the impact of human actions on wildlife.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Nurturing Behaviors
Explanation: Henri’s care for Rickie provides a powerful example of nurturing behavior that transcends species barriers, emphasizing the impact of caring actions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to act kindly and nurture others, learning the importance of care and support within their community.