A Unicorn Named Sparkle and the Perfect Valentine
#5 in A Unicorn Named Sparkle Series
on Goodreads (192)
What’s inside...
The fifth book in the A Unicorn Named Sparkle series explores the challenges of expressing love on Valentine's Day. Lucy and her unicorn, Sparkle, embark on a heartwarming adventure as Sparkle attempts to create the perfect valentine for Lucy, despite his limitations of having hooves instead of hands. This story highlights that there is no perfect way to say 'I love you,' but the effort and thought behind it is what truly counts.
Discussion points
What would you do if you had a unicorn friend like Sparkle on Valentine's Day?
How do you think Sparkle felt when things didn't go as planned?
Why is it important to show kindness and appreciation, just like the characters in the book?
Can you think of a time when a surprise you had for someone didn’t turn out the way you expected? How did you handle it?
What are some ways you can show your friends or family that you care about them, not just on Valentine’s Day but every day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, and relate the themes to their own experiences. Use the questions to guide a conversation that helps children think about the value of friendship, the acceptance of imperfections, and the expression of love and kindness. Highlight that it’s the thought and effort behind actions that truly count, which helps in nurturing empathy and emotional intelligence.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Kindness
Explanation: In the story, the main character demonstrates kindness by creating a special Valentine for their friend, emphasizing thoughtfulness over material value.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to express kindness and appreciation through simple, heartfelt gestures, enhancing their empathy and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Self-expression
Explanation: The book showcases the character using their unique ideas to craft a Valentine, encouraging personal expression through art.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to use their imagination in crafting projects and other forms of expression, fostering creativity and individuality.
Example Lesson: Understanding Relationships
Explanation: Throughout the tale, the dynamics of friendship are explored, including the ups and downs of relationships.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children comprehend the nuances in relationships, promoting emotional intelligence and better interpersonal skills.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges in creating the perfect Valentine but keeps trying, demonstrating perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in face of difficulties, applicable in schoolwork, hobbies, and personal goals.
Example Lesson: Joy in Giving
Explanation: The joy of giving is a central theme as the character experiences happiness in making and giving the Valentine, rather than receiving.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of generosity and finding happiness in making others happy, which can enhance their social bonds and overall well-being.