Adelaide's Secret World
on Goodreads (274)
What’s inside...
Adelaide leads a quiet life in the city, listening to the song of the stars at night and watching over those like her during the day. Her world changes unexpectedly when she meets a kindred spirit. She initially runs away, but eventually gathers the courage to connect with others like her. This beautifully illustrated picture book explores themes of courage, change, and finding one's soul mate. It conveys how bravery, empathy, and imagination can transform lives, making it a perfect read for fans of Shaun Tan or Aaron Becker.
Age
2-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Adelaide
Discussion points
How do you think Adelaide felt when she was observing others from her window?
What kinds of secrets do you think the animals might be sharing?
Why do you think Adelaide decided to help the shy fox?
How do you imagine the world changes when Adelaide and her friends come together?
What would you do if you were in Adelaide’s place and saw someone feeling left out?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express how the illustrations make them feel, especially focusing on the colors and light. Ask them to compare their own emotions during different parts of the story. Reinforce the themes of friendship and bravery by relating them to real-life experiences that your child might have faced or could face. Highlight the importance of empathy by discussing how understanding others' feelings can lead to wonderful friendships and adventures, just like in Adelaide’s story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Adelaide's Secret World,' Adelaide shows compassion towards the creatures around her, despite feeling isolated herself. This helps her to form connections and friendships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to understand and share the feelings of others around them, helping to build stronger relationships and reduce feelings of loneliness.
Example Lesson: Courage to Overcome Shyness
Explanation: Adelaide initially feels shy and alone but eventually takes bold steps to reach out and connect with others. Her journey highlights the importance of overcoming personal fears for emotional growth.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their own feelings of shyness or anxiety, learning that reaching out to others can lead to positive social interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Creativity as a Form of Expression
Explanation: The story showcases Adelaide using her creativity to express her feelings and thoughts, which attracts the attention of others who share her sentiments.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to explore and express their own emotions through creative activities like drawing, painting, or writing, which are important for emotional and cognitive development.
Example Lesson: Importance of Observing and Listening
Explanation: Adelaide pays close attention to the world around her, noticing things that others overlook. This attentiveness helps her to understand and connect with others more deeply.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to improve their observational skills and active listening, which can lead to better understanding of their environment and the people in it.
Example Lesson: Value of Perseverance
Explanation: The book highlights Adelaide's persistent efforts in trying to connect with others despite setbacks, symbolizing the importance of perseverance in achieving emotional fulfillment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of not giving up easily, especially in relationships and personal goals, understanding that perseverance often leads to rewarding outcomes.