Ape in a Cape
on Goodreads (316)
What’s inside...
The richness of coloring; the strength, action and humor in the drawing; and the original rhyme for each letter make this an alphabet book to treasure. A 1953 Caldecott Honor Book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the Ape in the cape was feeling when he helped the other animals?
How did the Ape in the cape show kindness to his friends?
If you were in the story, what would you have done differently?
Why is it important to help others?
What would you do if you met the Ape in the cape?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions and motivations of the Ape by asking them to relate to their own experiences of helping others. Highlight the importance of kindness and teamwork as demonstrated in the story. Use the illustrations to prompt discussions about how the visuals enhance the storytelling and convey emotions. Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to foster creative thinking. Lastly, stress the values of empathy and compassion through the actions of the Ape, and discuss how your child can apply these values in their daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The protagonist, the Ape, encounters various challenges that require creative thinking and decision-making to navigate effectively.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these problem-solving abilities in their own lives, whether in academic settings or in personal situations where they need to think critically.
Example Lesson: The importance of helping others
Explanation: Throughout the story, the Ape in a Cape aids other characters in distress, teaching children the value of kindness and community support.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to extend a helping hand at school, at home, or on the playground, fostering a sense of empathy and cooperation among peers.
Example Lesson: Courage and bravery
Explanation: The Ape shows courage in confronting larger, often scarier situations, demonstrating that being brave is about facing fears head-on.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to tackle their own fears and challenges boldly, be it trying out for a school play, standing up to a bully, or attempting a difficult task.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The Ape adapts to different scenarios effectively, showing resilience and flexibility.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being adaptable in different situations such as adjusting to a new school environment or coping with changes at home.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: By wearing different capes, the Ape takes on various roles, showcasing the power of imagination and creativity.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in creative play and use their imagination to explore different roles and scenarios, enhancing cognitive flexibility and expressive skills.