An Island Christmas
What’s inside...
Rosie's preparations for Christmas on the island of Trinidad include picking red petals for the sorrel drink, mixing up the black currant cake, and singing along with the parang band. Stock portrays the joyful activity in freely painted watercolors that beautifully evoke the island setting and vibrant, warmhearted characters. A welcome contribution.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
30 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you like most about how the characters prepared for Christmas on the island?
How do you think celebrating Christmas on an island might be different from how we celebrate it?
What can we learn from the way the characters in the book help and care for each other?
If you could create your own island Christmas celebration, what unique traditions would you include?
How do the illustrations in the book make you feel about Christmas?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they know or imagine about celebrating Christmas on an island to activate their prior knowledge.
While reading, pause on pages with rich illustrations and ask your child to describe what they see and how it makes them feel.
After reading, encourage your child to compare their own Christmas experiences with those described in the book to deepen their understanding of cultural differences.
Use the book’s themes of community and sharing as a springboard to discuss the importance of these values in your own lives, especially during holiday seasons.
Create a follow-up activity where your child can draw or write about their ideal island Christmas, incorporating elements from the book and their own imagination.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family traditions
Explanation: In 'An Island Christmas', the story revolves around the rich family traditions of preparing for Christmas in Trinidad. The narrator, Rosie, shares the experiences of decorating, cooking, and coming together with her family.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and participate in their own family traditions, understanding the importance of family bonds and cultural heritage.
Example Lesson: Generosity and giving
Explanation: Rosie's family prepares homemade gifts and food to share with neighbors, showcasing the spirit of giving. The joy of the community coming together highlights the impact of generosity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be generous and think of ways to contribute positively to their community through acts of kindness and sharing.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for diverse cultures
Explanation: The book beautifully illustrates Trinidad's unique Christmas celebrations, introducing children to different cultural practices.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and show interest in different cultures, expanding their worldview and embracing diversity.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Rosie helps her family with various preparations for Christmas, learning responsibility through these tasks.
Real-World Application: Children reading the book can learn the value of taking responsibility in family activities, helping them grow into cooperative and helpful individuals.