The Precious Calabash
Our Heritage S. Series
What’s inside...
The Precious Calabash by Peter Anywar is a captivating tale that explores themes of heritage, tradition, and the struggle between modernity and ancient customs. Set in a vibrant African village, the story follows the journey of a young protagonist who inherits a mystical calabash from their ancestors. This heirloom is said to hold great power and wisdom, but with such a gift comes the heavy responsibility of protecting it from those who would use it for selfish ends. Through a series of trials and tribulations, the protagonist learns the true value of their heritage and the importance of preserving it for future generations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think about the main character's choices in the story? How would you have acted in the same situation?
Why is the calabash precious? What does it symbolize in the story?
How do the characters' relationships change throughout the book?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and trust from this tale?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision, like the characters in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Begin the discussion by sharing your own thoughts and feelings about the book to encourage your child to express theirs.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. Use their artwork as a starting point for discussion about the story's themes.
Relate the story's conflicts or morals to real-life situations your child might encounter, to help them connect more deeply with the book’s message.
Encourage your child to ask their own questions about the story and what they think might happen beyond the book’s ending.
Praise your child's responses and insights during the discussion to boost their confidence and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of honesty
Explanation: In the story, the main character learns the importance of being truthful when they face consequences for telling lies.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing honesty in their interactions at school and at home, building trust with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: The protagonist faces various challenges but learns to overcome them with perseverance and determination.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to not give up easily when facing difficulties in schoolwork, sports, or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Respect for cultural heritage
Explanation: The book places a strong emphasis on the cultural significance of the calabash in the story, teaching children to honor and appreciate their heritage.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and explore their own family traditions and cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of identity and belonging.
Example Lesson: Sharing with others
Explanation: The characters in the book learn the importance of sharing with others, which brings happiness and strengthens community bonds.
Real-World Application: Kids can practice sharing their toys, time, and snacks with friends and siblings to build stronger, more caring relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters encounter problems that they solve using clever thinking and collaboration.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to use critical thinking and teamwork in their everyday life, whether in academic tasks or in playing games with others.