A Present for Paul (English and Arabic Edition)
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Pleasure, a little girl, goes to the market with her dad as her younger brother is teething and crying. She loses her dad in the crowds when she tries to buy a teething ring. She is in tears, finding that she needs comfort as well as her baby brother.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the gift in the story make Paul feel? Why do you think it made him feel that way?
What does the story teach us about the importance of giving and receiving gifts?
Can you think of a time when you gave someone a special gift? How did you decide what to get them?
How do the illustrations help tell the story? What can you tell about the characters from the pictures?
What would you have done if you were in Paul's situation at the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Listen actively and validate their feelings.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book, highlighting the bilingual elements and their importance.
Relate the story to personal experiences. Share a story from your life about a memorable gift you've given or received.
Ask your child to describe their favorite illustration and what they like about it, fostering a deeper connection to the visual storytelling.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s responses, encouraging critical thinking and personal connection to the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of thoughtfulness
Explanation: The story showcases a child's effort to find a perfect birthday present for his friend, highlighting the significance of considering others' feelings and happiness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be considerate and thoughtful in their daily interactions, fostering stronger relationships with friends and family.
Example Lesson: Cultural appreciation and diversity
Explanation: By presenting dialogue and descriptions in both English and Arabic, the book encourages an appreciation for linguistic diversity and cultural richness.
Real-World Application: Kids can become more open and respectful towards people from different backgrounds, promoting inclusivity in their community.
Example Lesson: Resourcefulness and problem-solving
Explanation: The protagonist's journey to find a suitable gift exhibits creativity and determination in solving problems, which are crucial skills in any endeavor.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think critically and creatively when faced with challenges, enhancing their problem-solving skills in school and beyond.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: The book highlights the happiness derived from giving thoughtful gifts and the joy it brings to others, rather than focusing solely on personal gain or receiving.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of generosity and selflessness, nurturing a sense of community and empathy.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Through the character's relentless effort to find the perfect gift, the narrative reinforces the idea that perseverance leads to rewarding outcomes.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to persist in their goals and endeavors, understanding that effort ultimately brings success.