The Red Book
#1 in The Red Book Series
on Goodreads (4,009)
What’s inside...
This book is about a book. A magical red book without any words. When you turn the pages you’ll experience a new kind of adventure through the power of story. Winning a Caldecott Honor for its illustrations of rare detail and surprise, The Red Book crosses oceans and continents to deliver one girl into a new world of possibility, where a friend she’s never met is waiting. And as with the best of books, at the conclusion of the story, the journey is not over.
Character compass
The Girl
The Boy
Discussion points
How would you feel if you found a magical red book? What would you do with it?
Why do you think the characters in the book wanted to meet each other?
What do you think the red balloon symbolizes in the story?
If you could draw something in the book that comes to life, what would it be and why?
How do you think the story would change if the red book was a different color?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the characters to life, which can help your child connect emotionally with the story.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they would react to the magical elements.
Discuss the illustrations in detail, focusing on how they complement and enhance the text.
After reading, encourage your child to create their own 'red book' story, which can foster creativity and narrative skills.
Connect the themes of friendship and curiosity in the book to real-life situations your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity
Explanation: The main character discovers a mysterious red book and is drawn into a fantastic adventure. Her curiosity leads her to explore and connect with another child across the world.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore the unknown and be open to learning about different cultures and perspectives, fostering a sense of global awareness and curiosity in real-life settings.
Example Lesson: Friendship and connectivity
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters connect despite being miles apart, emphasizing the universal nature of friendship.
Example Lesson: The power of imagination
Explanation: ‘The Red Book’ unfolds entirely through pictures, requiring children to use their imagination to interpret the story.
Real-World Application: Helps in developing children's imaginative skills, which can enhance creativity in problem-solving and artistic expression in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Adventure in everyday life
Explanation: The journey of the red book shows that adventure can be found in everyday objects and experiences, turning the mundane into the extraordinary.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to find joy and adventure in their daily lives, enhancing their perception and experiences of the world around them.
Example Lesson: Empathy through perspective sharing
Explanation: The interaction between the characters from different parts of the globe illustrates sharing perspectives, teaching empathy.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to consider and understand different viewpoints, fostering empathy and cooperative skills in social settings.