on Goodreads (4)
What’s inside...
Once I had a secret that was big and monstery, which I thought of as Blue. But Blue the monster doesn't have to be scary or a secret. We all feel blue sometimes, and talking about it helps. This friendly, gentle story helps young children navigate big emotions. The book includes a hunt for blue things and encourages singing about colors. It comes in hardcover with a CD and online music access.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the color blue make you feel as you read through the book?
Can you think of a time you felt similar to any of the characters in the story?
Why do you think the author chose blue as the central theme of the book?
What do you think the story would be like if it was a different color, like red or yellow?
How can we use the lessons from this book in our daily life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading techniques, varying your tone and pitch to match the mood suggested by the different shades of blue described.
Encourage your child to visualize and perhaps draw scenes or elements from the book using blue tones, discussing their choices as they draw.
Relate personal experiences or family stories that connect with the themes or emotions presented in the book.
After reading, have a 'blue day' where you and your child engage in activities that involve the color blue, reinforcing the theme of the book.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character is feeling, fostering empathy and deeper understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Blue,' the main character experiences feelings of sadness and isolation, which are portrayed thoughtfully. Children see how recognizing and understanding someone's emotions can lead to supportive actions.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand how to recognize emotions in others and offer support, fostering strong and empathetic friendships.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite challenges, the protagonist learns to cope and find joy again. The story illustrates that while sadness is a part of life, resilience is key to overcoming difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children learn that it’s okay to feel sad sometimes, but also how important it is to recover and find happiness again, promoting emotional resilience in real-life adversities.
Example Lesson: Expression of Feelings
Explanation: Throughout 'Blue,' the protagonist expresses their feelings through creative outlets. This highlights the importance of self-expression and understanding one’s emotions.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to express themselves openly, whether through art, writing, or speaking, which is crucial for emotional development and communication.
Example Lesson: Community Support
Explanation: The story shows the protagonist finding solace and comfort through community support, teaching the importance of seeking help and being part of a supportive network.
Real-World Application: This lesson instills the value of community and how reaching out for support can provide comfort and solutions to personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Acceptance
Explanation: ‘Blue’ teaches acceptance of self and others, regardless of emotional states, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of accepting themselves and others, fostering a more inclusive and understanding outlook towards varying emotions and behaviors in their daily interactions.