The Indian in the Cupboard
#1 of 5 in Indian in the Cupboard Series
on Goodreads (107,714)
What’s inside...
The story revolves around a young boy named Omri who receives an old cupboard as a birthday gift and discovers that it has the magical power to bring his plastic toy figures to life. When he brings a toy Indian figure named Little Bear to life, Omri learns valuable lessons about friendship, responsibility, and the complexities of life. Full of magic and appealing characters, this classic novel takes readers on a remarkable adventure.
Character compass
Omri
Boone
Patrick
Little Bear
Discussion points
What would you do if you discovered your toys could come to life like Omri did with his Indian figurine?
How did Omri’s feelings towards the Indian change throughout the story and why do you think that happened?
What responsibilities come with having a magical cupboard, and how do you think you would handle them?
What does the friendship between Omri and Little Bear teach us about how people from different backgrounds can relate to each other?
How do the characters in the book learn from their mistakes, and can you think of a time when you learned from a mistake?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think the characters felt in certain situations and why.
Enhance comprehension by pausing after pivotal moments to discuss what just happened and predict what might occur next.
Promote critical thinking by challenging your child to consider what other choices the characters could have made and the likely outcomes of those choices.
Reinforce the themes of responsibility and friendship by relating them to your child's own experiences with friends and responsibilities.
Foster a deeper understanding by exploring the historical and cultural context of the Native American character, discussing respect and representation of cultures.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'The Indian in the Cupboard', the protagonist, Omri, learns about responsibility when he becomes the caretaker for Little Bear, a toy that comes to life. He realizes that his actions directly affect another being's wellbeing.
Real-World Application: Children learn that their choices and actions have consequences, reinforcing the importance of being responsible in their daily interactions and care for others.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As Omri engages with Little Bear, he becomes deeply empathetic to his needs and feelings. This shift in perspective fosters a strong sense of empathy towards someone vastly different from him.
Real-World Application: This story encourages children to understand and share the feelings of others, promoting empathy in their interactions with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Cultural Respect
Explanation: Omri learns about Iroquois customs and perspectives through his interactions with Little Bear. This experience teaches him to respect and value different cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and appreciate diverse cultures, helping them to become more respectful and inclusive in their community.
Example Lesson: The Power of Imagination
Explanation: The magical cupboard brings toys to life, highlighting the boundless possibilities of imagination. Omri learns to create his own world and adventures through imaginative play.
Real-World Application: Inspires children to engage in creative play, which can enhance problem-solving skills and boost cognitive development.
Example Lesson: Conflict Resolution
Explanation: Omri faces various conflicts with the characters from the cupboard, including disagreements and misunderstandings. He learns to navigate these challenges through communication and compromise.
Real-World Application: Teaches kids effective ways to resolve conflicts in their lives, promoting peaceful and constructive solutions in difficult situations.