Beauty
What’s inside...
This story, Beauty, is based largely on the life cycle of a Monarch butterfly, except that the four cycles per year are combined into one cycle. The butterfly in the story is beautiful in its appearance, but also possesses the internal beauty to forgive Sparrow for name calling. This book tries to express the true meaning of 'beauty'.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes someone beautiful?
How did the characters in the story show kindness to one another?
Can you think of a time when you felt beautiful because of something you did?
How do you think the story would change if the characters judged beauty differently?
What did you learn about beauty and self-esteem from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on beauty in both physical and non-physical terms.
Discuss the actions of the characters and ask your child how those actions made them feel.
Relate the story to personal experiences to help your child connect with the message.
Highlight moments in the story where characters discover inner beauty and discuss its importance.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers to reinforce positive engagement with the theme.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of inner beauty
Explanation: In 'Beauty', the protagonist learns to recognize and value kindness and goodness over external appearances.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and value their peers and others based on their actions and character rather than just their looks.
Example Lesson: Importance of kindness
Explanation: The story demonstrates how acts of kindness can transform and positively impact others, as shown by the protagonist's interactions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice kindness in their daily interactions, which can lead to more positive relationships and a more supportive community.
Example Lesson: Overcoming adversity with courage
Explanation: The protagonist faces challenges but overcomes them by staying true to her values and showing bravery.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to face their own challenges with resilience and courage, understanding that difficulties do not define them but can be overcome with perseverance.
Example Lesson: The power of friendship
Explanation: Throughout 'Beauty', friendships play a crucial role in overcoming obstacles, showing that we are stronger together.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of building and maintaining friendships, and how these relationships can provide support and strength in times of need.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of differences
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to accept and celebrate each other's differences, leading to a more harmonious community.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing diversity in their communities, promoting inclusivity and mutual respect among peers.