Timna
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
Timna, the wife of Shem, one of Noah's sons, embarks on a journey of faith and obedience as she joins her family in the ark to survive the great Flood. Along with two mischievous dogs, Thief and Mangy, Timna faces her fears and struggles with belief in God during the 40 days and nights spent floating in the Ark. The story, targeted at 9-to-14-year-olds, delves into the role of women in Biblical times and early Hebrew culture, and vividly portrays the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing God's promise through the rainbow after the Flood. Timna serves as a compelling resource for young readers interested in faith literature, offering a blend of adventure, historical insights, and spiritual reflection.
Age
8-12
Length
150 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Timna to act the way she did?
How do you think the characters felt during the key moments of the story?
What would you have done differently if you were in Timna's shoes?
How do the settings influence the events of the story?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Timna's actions and decisions?
Tip: Role play these questions
Set a comfortable and quiet space to discuss the book to keep your child engaged.
Ask your child to imagine themselves in the story and consider different perspectives.
Encourage your child to connect the story’s themes or lessons to their own experiences.
Use follow-up questions to encourage deeper thinking and exploration of ideas discussed.
Praise your child for their insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and interest.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in overcoming fears
Explanation: Timna demonstrates bravery as she faces challenging situations in her adventure, showing that courage is not the absence of fear but the strength to confront it.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of the class, or dealing with a tough situation at home.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Timna encounters various obstacles but her determination to continue helps her overcome them. This illustrates the value of not giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to keep trying and not lose hope, be it in completing a challenging school project, learning a new skill, or improving in areas they find difficult.
Example Lesson: Respecting diversity and embracing differences
Explanation: Timna meets and interacts with characters from different backgrounds, learning to appreciate their uniqueness and the strengths that diversity can bring.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand and value the different cultures, abilities, and perspectives they encounter at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The protagonist realizes she can achieve more with the help of her friends, underlining teamwork's role in accomplishing goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of cooperating and working harmoniously in group settings such as in classrooms, sports, and other social activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and kindness
Explanation: Timna shows empathy and acts kindly towards other characters, regardless of their situation, instilling the importance of these values.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be considerate and supportive of their peers, enhancing their emotional and social development.