Celestine and the Magical Geranium
on Goodreads (3)
What’s inside...
Celestine and the Magical Geranium is a folk tale for children age 5 and up, telling the story of a geranium seed that grows into a beautiful flower and forms a special bond with a girl named Celestine. The story explores the cycles of life, spiritual growth, and the lasting impact of love and friendship. It is enriched with vibrant illustrations and offers a meaningful experience for both children and adults, encouraging them to cherish life's gifts and continue spreading joy even after they fade.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-12
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes the geranium magical, and how would you use its magic if you had it?
How did Celestine feel when she first discovered the magical geranium? Can you relate to her feelings?
What lessons do you think Celestine learned during her adventures?
If you could create a magical plant, what powers would it have and why?
How do you think the story would change if you were a character in it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own magical plant or object. Ask them what special powers it would have and how they would use them.
Discuss Celestine’s feelings and decisions throughout the story. This helps children understand character development and empathy.
Use the book’s illustrations to engage younger readers. Ask them to describe what they see and how it relates to the story.
Connect the themes in the book to real-life situations your child may encounter, enhancing their ability to apply storytelling to personal experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: In 'Celestine and the Magical Geranium,' Celestine models kindness by caring for her magical plant and helping her friends with their own plants. Through her actions, the story underscores the impact of being kind to others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in acts of kindness towards family, friends, and even strangers, fostering a more compassionate community.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and commitment
Explanation: Celestine demonstrates responsibility by diligently taking care of her geranium, ensuring it receives enough water and sunlight. This dedication shows the responsibilities involved in caring for something or someone.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in a child’s everyday life by taking care of personal belongings, pets, or even plants, learning to be reliable and committed.
Example Lesson: Creativity and problem-solving
Explanation: When Celestine faces challenges with her geranium, she uses creative thinking to find solutions, such as when she constructs a makeshift greenhouse. This narrative highlights the value of thinking outside the box to resolve issues.
Real-World Application: Children can embrace creativity in their own lives by finding innovative solutions to their problems, whether in school projects or in resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: The benefits of cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the story, Celestine and her peers collaborate to learn more about their magical plants. This cooperation leads to better care for the plants and deeper friendships.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the value of working together with others to achieve common goals, applicable in group projects at school or in collaborative family activities.