A Good Place
on Goodreads (464)
What’s inside...
From the creator of Maisy, a joyful picture book with a gentle environmental message finds four insect friends in search of a good place to live. Bee, Ladybug, Beetle, and Dragonfly are looking for somewhere to live. Each has a different preference: Bee loves flowers, Ladybug prefers leaves, Beetle is fond of dead wood, and Dragonfly likes ponds. However, every time they find what seems like the perfect spot—with beautiful flowers, a tiny pond, some dead wood, or gorgeous green leaves—they discover it’s underfoot, near traffic, or otherwise not safe. Lucy Cousins brings her bold artwork and endearing characters to an inviting story that leads to a dazzling conclusion, showing children that even in an urban environment, encouraging wildlife and natural ecosystems can create a healthy and beautiful habitat for all of us.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What makes a place good for everyone who lives there?
How do the animals work together to solve problems in the story?
What can we do to make our community a better place?
How did the story make you feel about helping others?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about their own neighborhood and relate the story to their experiences.
Highlight the importance of teamwork and community support as shown in the book.
Ask your child how they would solve similar problems if they were in the same situation as the characters.
Discuss the emotions displayed by the characters and ask your child how they might feel in similar situations.
Praise your child for insightful answers and gently guide them to think deeper about the theme of cooperation and kindness.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Community
Explanation: In 'A Good Place', various animal characters work together to create a harmonious environment, demonstrating the value of community and cooperation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to collaborate with classmates in school projects or local community activities, appreciating the strength and benefits of working together.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story emphasizes caring for and preserving the natural surroundings as the characters build their homes while keeping the environment in mind.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to participate in environmental conservation activities such as recycling, planting trees, or cleaning up local parks.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters encounter various challenges while finding a good place to live, but they solve these problems through thoughtful consideration and creativity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving skills in their day-to-day challenges, learning to think critically and creatively to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Diversity and Inclusion
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of animal characters, each with unique needs and preferences, promoting acceptance and diversity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace individual differences among their peers, fostering an inclusive atmosphere in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Joy of Discovery
Explanation: As the characters explore different areas to find their ideal home, the joy of exploration and discovery is highlighted.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious and explore new topics, activities, or places, enhancing their learning experience and personal growth.