Baggage
illustrations by
on Goodreads (78)
What’s inside...
A lady checks her luggage for a train ride: a couch, a suitcase, a traveling bag, a picture, a basket, a hat-box, and a little dog. Will they all make it to her destination? During the 1920s in Russia, many authors, poets, and talented visual artists worked with fervent dedication and the support of the government to create a new type of children's literature, one that drew on both the aesthetic innovations of the period and contemporary social and political philosophy to inspire and stimulate young minds. This whimsical children's picture book was one of several collaborations between Vladimir Lebedev and Samuil Marshak, many of which are now in the collection of The Museum of Modern Art. This volume reproduces the original book in size, shape, and layout, with new English translations. The dynamic graphic compositions and playful rhyming texts remain as compelling today as they were nearly a century ago.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
12 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the character felt when they lost their baggage?
What are some ways the character tried to solve their problem?
Why is it important to keep track of our things, and what can we do if we lose something?
How did the people around the character help, and what does this teach us about asking for help from others?
Can you think of a time you lost something important and what you did about it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the emotions and decisions of the characters by asking them how they would feel and react in similar situations. Highlight the importance of responsibility and problem-solving. Discuss the value of community support and teamwork as depicted in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: In 'Baggage,' different characters mistakenly pick up each other's suitcases, leading to confusion. The story highlights the importance of taking care of one's belongings.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by being mindful of their personal items, like school supplies or toys, ensuring they keep them safe and organized.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: As characters in 'Baggage' interact over the suitcase mix-up, they experience frustration but also come to understand each other's perspectives.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to empathize with their friends or classmates when misunderstandings arise, promoting a harmonious social environment.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to figure out whose suitcase is whose, demonstrating teamwork and critical thinking.
Real-World Application: Children can use similar problem-solving skills in group activities at school or in play, fostering co-operation and effective communication.
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: The resolution of the bag mix-up in the story comes from the characters' honesty about what belongs to whom.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of honesty in resolving conflicts and building trust among peers and adults.