African Dream
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
One peek inside the pages will open up a whole world of African dreams explaining how one child wants to be assured that all the wonderful creatures now inhabiting the African wild will still be there when she grows up. This tantalizing illustrated book educates children about how some of the planet's most beloved animals might soon become extinct. From the magnificent elephant and brave lion, to the gentle gorilla and wily crocodile, all could lose out on their struggle to survive because of man's greed and ignorance. Children need to be especially alert not only to the story happening inside the little reader's handheld book, but also to the windows, which delightfully tease the observant child into guessing which creature lurks outside! African Dream is a reminder to all adults and young people that through education, we can still save earth's most valuable treasures; its wildlife!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you think about the different animals and scenes described in 'African Dream'? Which one was your favorite and why?
How do you think the child in the story felt when they were exploring Africa? Can you relate to any of their feelings?
Why is it important to learn about different cultures and places like Africa?
What is one thing you learned from 'African Dream' that you didn't know before?
If you could visit Africa, what would you like to see the most?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story by asking them to draw their favorite scene or character from the book.
Discuss the importance of diversity and culture, and relate it back to your own community or family traditions.
Use a globe or map to identify Africa and the specific countries or landscapes mentioned in 'African Dream'. This can help your child visualize where the story takes place.
Create a fun quiz based on the book to test your child's memory and understanding of the story, and reward them with more books or storytelling time.
Ask your child to imagine their own adventure in Africa. What animals would they meet? What places would they explore? This can help enhance their creativity and understanding of the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'African Dream', the characters often face challenges that require them to understand and empathize with others. This is depicted through their interactions and resolutions.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider other people's feelings and perspectives, fostering a nurturing and caring environment at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: The story showcases characters who do not give up despite difficulties, teaching children the importance of persisting through their own challenges.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by not giving up easily on their studies, hobbies, or relationships, reflecting determination in their daily activities.
Example Lesson: Value of Diversity
Explanation: ‘African Dream’ celebrates diverse cultures and characters, highlighting the richness that different backgrounds bring to a community.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and embrace cultural differences among peers, which enhances social harmony and mutual respect.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters achieve goals through collaboration, emphasizing the message that teamwork leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children learn to work cooperatively in group settings like school projects or sports, understanding that combined efforts yield better outcomes.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The narrative encourages creative solutions to problems, showcasing the power of imagination.
Real-World Application: This inspires children to think creatively in their play, studies, and problem-solving, nurturing innovation from a young age.