Balam and Lluvia's House
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Meet Balam, a boy who could be a cat, and Lluvia, a girl who could be the dawn. Balam and Lluvia are siblings who engage in whimsical activities such as catching fireflies, bidding farewell to their pet fish in the bathroom, and waiting for Raton Perez to collect their teeth. In their house, the secret tastes and sounds permeate their daily adventures, creating a world where the boundaries between reality and imagination blur.
Age
4-10
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Balam and Lluvia learned about sharing and teamwork?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the story?
Why do you think it's important for Balam and Lluvia to take care of their house?
How would you help Balam and Lluvia solve a problem they faced in the story?
What was your favorite part of the book and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them how they would feel in similar situations as the characters.
Relate the themes of the book to your child’s experiences, such as teamwork in family or school tasks.
Ask your child to draw a scene from the book that they found memorable and discuss it together.
Create a fun and comfortable reading space where you and your child can explore the book’s themes together.
Celebrate your child's responses and insights, even if they interpret parts of the story differently than expected.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Balam and Lluvia's House,' the characters collaborate to build a house, showcasing how working together can help achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: Children learn to cooperate with their peers in school projects or team sports, understanding that collective effort often leads to success.
Example Lesson: Value of Creativity
Explanation: The story emphasizes using imagination and creativity to solve problems, as Balam and Lluvia think outside the box to construct their home.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to apply creative thinking in their daily activities, whether in artistic expression or in thinking creatively to overcome obstacles.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: Through the narrative, there is a strong element of respecting and incorporating natural elements in the characters' building process.
Real-World Application: Instills an appreciation for the environment, motivating children to engage in eco-friendly practices and to value the natural world around them.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite challenges, Balam and Lluvia persist in building their house, demonstrating the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of persisting through difficulties whether in academic challenges or personal goals.