Bintou's Braids
What’s inside...
Bintou wants braids like the other women in her family, but she is too young and only has cornrows. When she saves her cousins' lives and is offered a reward, she discovers that beauty comes in many forms. This heartwarming story with rich illustrations captures the spirit of a West African village and the lesson that Bintou learns about self-acceptance.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-12
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Bintou feels when she wishes for braids like her older sisters?
How did Bintou show courage in the story?
What does Bintou's relationship with her grandmother teach us about family traditions?
How do you think having braids changed the way Bintou saw herself?
What would you have done in Bintou's place when faced with similar challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about Bintou's journey, emphasizing empathy and understanding.
Discuss the cultural significance of hair and braids in Bintou's community to deepen the contextual understanding of the story.
Relate the story to your child’s own experiences with self-esteem and fitting in, fostering a personal connection to the themes.
Highlight Bintou’s emotions throughout the story to help your child identify and discuss different feelings.
Ask your child how they might use lessons from Bintou's experiences in their own life, promoting practical application of the story’s messages.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Identity
Explanation: In 'Bintou's Braids,' the protagonist navigates her desire for traditional braids, a cultural symbol of maturity and beauty in her community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and take pride in their own cultural heritage, understanding its uniqueness and importance.
Example Lesson: Patience and Growth
Explanation: Bintou learns that certain things, like getting her braids, require waiting and coming of age, teaching her patience and the appreciation of growth.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to understand that some rewards and responsibilities come with age and that waiting can be beneficial.
Example Lesson: Respecting Elders and Traditions
Explanation: Through her interactions with her grandmother and other women in her family, Bintou learns about the traditions surrounding braiding and its significance.
Real-World Application: This story highlights the importance of listening to and valuing the wisdom of elders, fostering respect for traditions within a familial and community context.
Example Lesson: Self-expression and Individuality
Explanation: Although Bintou initially wants braids to look like other girls, she discovers unique styles that reflect her personality.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to express themselves creatively and celebrate their individuality, instead of merely fitting in.
Example Lesson: Community and Support
Explanation: The communal activity of braiding brings together women and girls, fostering a sense of community and support.
Real-World Application: Illustrates the value of community support and how collective activities can strengthen social bonds and provide emotional support.