A Present for Paul
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
6-9
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Paul felt when he received the present?
Why is giving gifts to others important?
How do you think the story would change if Paul didn’t receive his present?
Can you think of a time you gave someone a gift? How did you feel?
What are some ways we can show kindness to others without gifts?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story’s events and characters.
Draw parallels between the gift-giving in the book and experiences in your child’s life to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Ask your child to imagine alternate endings or different scenarios to enhance their creativity and reasoning.
Highlight the importance of generosity and kindness discussed in the book, relating it to everyday situations your child might encounter.
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to make the story more immersive and engaging for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: In 'A Present for Paul', the protagonist learns the value of sharing when he decides to give away one of his own cherished belongings to make another person happy.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their toys or snacks with friends, fostering a spirit of generosity and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Understanding Empathy
Explanation: The story illustrates empathy as the main character realizes the joy his gift brings to Paul and empathizes with his feelings.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to consider other people's feelings and perspectives, helping them to build stronger, more understanding relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of Thoughtfulness
Explanation: The thought and care put into selecting a present for Paul demonstrate the importance of thoughtfulness in the book.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to think about what others might appreciate or need, influencing them to act kindly and with consideration in real-world scenarios.
Example Lesson: Joy of Giving
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the happiness derived from giving, showing the protagonist's joy as he gives a thoughtful present.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn that giving to others can be as rewarding as receiving, promoting selfless acts and enhancing personal satisfaction.