SOS for Rita
Rita the Rescuer Series
What’s inside...
When Rita's brothers and sisters leave her to look after the towels on the beach, they have no idea that the baby of the family will be catching a runaway donkey, saving a family from the quicksands, and even wrestling with a bad-tempered shark. Rita is the youngest in her family and her older brothers and sister always give her the most boring things to do. What they don't know is that Rita has another identity. She is also the fabulous Rita, the rescuer!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Rita felt when she needed help, and how would you feel in a similar situation?
Why is it important to ask for help when we need it?
Rita met many characters who helped her in different ways. Which character’s help did you like the most and why?
What is one way you can help someone today, and how do you think it will make them feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use empathetic listening and acknowledge your child's feelings as they discuss Rita's emotions.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences of needing or offering help.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and community support, using examples from the book and real life.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers, which will boost their confidence in expressing their ideas and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'SOS for Rita', Rita the mouse feels misunderstood and unappreciated, which is a sentiment many children can relate to. The story explores how characters learn to understand and empathize with Rita's feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to recognize and respect the feelings of others, fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment at school and at home.
Example Lesson: The importance of communication
Explanation: Throughout the book, Rita and her friends face communication challenges. The resolution comes as characters start effectively communicating their thoughts and feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of expressing themselves and the importance of dialogue in resolving misunderstandings and strengthening relationships.
Example Lesson: Bravery in facing fears
Explanation: Rita shows courage despite feeling small and scared. The narrative encourages facing fears head-on, which is a crucial step in Rita's adventure.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it's okay to be scared and that bravery isn't the absence of fear but the ability to push forward despite it. This can help them tackle new challenges, such as trying new activities or standing up for themselves.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The book showcases various problem-solving techniques when Rita and her friends encounter obstacles. Their teamwork and creative thinking lead to solutions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think critically and creatively when faced with problems, whether it's during playtime, in their academic pursuits, or in personal relationships.