on Goodreads (25)
What’s inside...
In Arrowville, a town where everyone has a strong opinion, the residents are always arguing. When the Target family visits, they are mistaken for foes but with help from a friendly arrow named Barb, they show the town the importance of agreeing on some ideas. Animator and author Geefwee Boedoe's debut book humorously illustrates the power of friendship and understanding through whimsical characters and events.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the arrows in Arrowville stop fighting?
How do you think the little arrow felt when nobody would play with him? Have you ever felt the same way?
Why is it important to be kind to everyone, even if they are different from us?
What would you do if you were in Arrowville to make peace among the arrows?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions of the characters by asking about specific moments in the book.
Connect the story to your child's experiences by discussing times they have dealt with conflicts or felt excluded.
Highlight the importance of diversity and teamwork by discussing how the arrows could have benefited from working together sooner.
Use the illustrations in the book to discuss the mood and how colors and art style contribute to the storytelling.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Unity in diversity
Explanation: Arrowville, a town divided by different arrows pointing in conflicting directions, reflects a divided community. As the story progresses, the arrows learn to appreciate each other’s differences, uniting them.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of embracing and respecting diverse opinions and backgrounds, promoting harmony in their own social environments.
Example Lesson: Cooperation
Explanation: The arrows face challenges that they can only overcome by working together, demonstrating the power of collaboration.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to participate in team activities and understand that cooperation is often the key to solving complex problems.
Example Lesson: Conflict resolution
Explanation: The story shows arrows finding peaceful solutions to their disputes, prioritizing dialogue and understanding over conflict.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles in their interactions, learning to resolve disputes with words rather than aggression.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The arrows eventually learn to point in new directions, symbolizing adaptability and change.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being flexible and open to changes in life, whether it’s at school, home, or in their personal growth.