Brundibar
not part of a series
What’s inside...
When Aninku and Pepicek go to town to get milk to help their sick mother, their efforts to earn money by singing are hindered by a bullying hurdy-gurdy grinder named Brundibar. With the assistance of three talking animals and the support of three hundred schoolchildren, the siblings manage to defeat Brundibar and return home victoriously. The narrative is inspired by a Czech opera that was performed frequently by the children of the Nazi concentration camp Terezin.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
56 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Brundibar, the bully, act the way he did?
How did the children in the story work together to overcome challenges?
What feelings did you experience when the children in the story united to stand up against Brundibar?
How do you think the story would have changed if Brundibar had been kind from the beginning?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings on the story’s themes of bravery and teamwork. Use open-ended questions to promote critical thinking and empathy. Highlight the importance of cooperation and how it can be applied in real-life scenarios. Validate your child's emotions and perspectives to make them feel heard and understood.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The power of unity and cooperation
Explanation: In 'Brundibar', the children in the story band together to outwit the bully, Brundibar. This cooperation allows them to achieve their goal of buying milk for their sick mother.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that by working together as a team, they can overcome obstacles and challenges more effectively than if they were to try alone.
Example Lesson: Standing up against wrongdoings
Explanation: The central theme in 'Brundibar' is the children's struggle against the bully, demonstrating resilience and courage.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of standing up for themselves and others when faced with injustice or bullying, and that their voice can create meaningful change.
Example Lesson: Compassion and empathy
Explanation: The siblings in 'Brundibar' show determination to help their sick mother, which reflects their compassion and empathy towards her suffering.
Real-World Application: Children learn the values of caring for others and understanding people's situations, which fosters empathy and acts of kindness in their own lives.
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the children do not give up on their mission to defeat Brundibar and help their mother.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to not give up easily, teaching them that perseverance can lead to success, even in the face of difficulties.