Carmine: A Little More Red
on Goodreads (390)
What’s inside...
As Carmine sets off on her bicycle with Rufus, she is determined to create her best drawing yet in a lovely forest clearing near Granny's. This new and lively retelling of a timeless tale is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers engaged until the very end.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Carmine learned on her adventure?
Why do you think the author chose a red cloak for Carmine? How does it relate to her story?
How do you feel about the way Carmine solves her problems?
Can you think of a time when you were curious like Carmine? What happened?
What do you think would happen next if the story continued?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Listen attentively and validate their opinions.
Ask your child to predict what happens next at various points in the story to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
Relate the story to your child's experiences by asking them about times they felt similar emotions as the characters.
Discuss the moral of the story and what lessons can be learned from Carmine's adventure.
Use expressive reading, changing your voice for different characters to make the story more dynamic and interesting for your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of curiosity
Explanation: Carmine, a young artist, goes on a quest to gather ingredients for making a painting. Her adventurous nature drives the storyline and illustrates the value of exploring and asking questions.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their surroundings, ask questions, and learn from their experiences, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: Creativity and resourcefulness
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Carmine creatively uses the resources available to her for her artwork, which helps in solving problems she encounters along the way.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to think creatively in using their resources to solve problems and express themselves through art and other means.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in the face of challenges
Explanation: Carmine shows determination as she continues her quest despite various obstacles, teaching children the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of not giving up when faced with difficulties, encouraging resilience and determination in challenging situations.
Example Lesson: Learning from literature
Explanation: The book incorporates elements and characters from classic tales like 'Little Red Riding Hood,' connecting children with traditional literature in a novel way.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop an interest in reading and understanding classic stories, enhancing their literary appreciation and comprehension skills.
Example Lesson: Value of teamwork
Explanation: Carmine, her dog Rufus, and other characters they meet work together to achieve their goals, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and collaboration.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to work cooperatively in group settings, teaching them how teamwork can lead to achieving common goals more effectively.