Beegu
on Goodreads (1,864)
What’s inside...
Beegu's spacecraft is stranded on Earth. Lost and wandering, she waits for a rescue signal from her mother. She tries to make friends with creatures she encounters, but fails. Rabbits don't understand her and leaves won't listen. Finally, on a school playground, Beegu finds children who welcome her into their games, until an adult intervenes. As Beegu feels more alone than ever, her mother ship arrives. This bittersweet picture book illustrates our world through the eyes of an innocent outsider with stylish art and understated text.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Beegu felt being lost and away from her family?
What kind of emotions do you think the rabbits felt when they met Beegu?
Why do you think the older beings reacted differently to Beegu compared to the younger ones?
How did Beegu try to communicate with others on Earth, and what can we learn from her efforts?
What does this story teach us about friendship and understanding those who are different from us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a comfortable reading space where both you and your child can explore the story without distractions.
Use expressive voice tones to reflect the emotions in the story, helping your child understand the feelings of the characters.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Beegu's place, asking how they would feel and react in similar situations.
Discuss the illustrations and ask your child what they can infer from the pictures about Beegu’s feelings and experiences.
Link the story to real-life situations by discussing times when your child may have felt misunderstood or needed help.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Acceptance
Explanation: Beegu, the alien protagonist, feels lost and misunderstood by most of the Earth creatures she meets. However, the kindness shown by the few who do accept her underscores the importance of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace differences and show kindness to everyone, regardless of how different they may appear.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in Adversity
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, Beegu continues her search for companionship and understanding. Her resilience in difficult situations exemplifies the power of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson can motivate children to keep trying in the face of challenges, whether in social situations, academics, or personal pursuits.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights how Beegu’s interaction with the friendly children becomes a pivotal happy moment in her journey, showcasing the impact of friendship.
Real-World Application: It encourages children to be good friends and appreciate the friendships they have, teaching them the importance of social connections for emotional support and happiness.
Example Lesson: Understanding Feelings of Isolation
Explanation: Beegu’s experience of feeling alone in a strange world helps convey the emotions associated with isolation.
Real-World Application: This can help children develop empathy for others who may feel isolated and encourage them to reach out and connect with peers who seem lonely.