A Story About Afiya
What’s inside...
Some people have dresses for every occasion but Afiya needs only one. Her dress records the memories of her childhood, from roses in bloom to pigeons in flight, from tigers at the zoo to October leaves falling. A joyful celebration of a young girl's childhood, written by the late Coretta Scott King Book Award-winning Jamaican poet James Berry.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Afiya felt when her dress captured new scenes every day?
What do you believe is special about Afiya’s dress, and why do you think it changes?
Can you think of a memorable moment in your life that you would like to capture on a piece of clothing?
Why do you think the author chose to make Afiya's dress magical?
How does Afiya’s story inspire you to observe the world around you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of Afiya's adventures, fostering a connection to the visual elements of the story.
Discuss the concept of memories and how they are preserved, relating them to the magical transformations of Afiya’s dress.
Ask your child to imagine their own magical clothing item and what scenes or memories it would capture, enhancing their creative thinking.
Connect the themes of the book to real-life situations by planning a nature walk or visit to a place where your child can observe and later draw what catches their eye, mirroring Afiya’s experiences.
Utilize the book’s illustrations to deepen the discussion, asking your child to describe what they see and how the colors and patterns make them feel.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of nature
Explanation: Afiya's story shows her interacting with nature, exploring and appreciating the beauty and diversity of the flora around her.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to observe and enjoy their natural surroundings, fostering a lifelong respect and care for the environment.
Example Lesson: Value of imagination
Explanation: Each day, Afiya's dress absorbs a different scene from nature, highlighting the power of imagination to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to use their imagination to see the world in unique ways, enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural diversity
Explanation: Through Afiya's encounters, the story introduces elements from different cultures, displaying a variety of traditions and experiences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to appreciate and respect people from diverse backgrounds, promoting inclusivity.
Example Lesson: Joy in everyday experiences
Explanation: Afiya finds delight in simple daily activities, showing children that happiness can be found in everyday experiences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to find joy in their routine, improving their overall happiness and mental health.
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: Afiya's adventures are driven by her curiosity about the world around her, leading to new discoveries and learnings every day.
Real-World Application: Fosters a curious mindset in children, crucial for academic success and lifelong learning.