Chirchir Is Singing
What’s inside...
Chirchir just wants to make herself useful like all her other family members. But she drops Mama's water bucket, spills Kogo's tea, and sends Baba's potatoes tumbling down the hill. Isn't there something that Chirchir does best? Set in the rolling hills of rural Kenya, this is a wise and lyrical story about belonging from Kelly Cunnane, the author of the Ezra Jack Keats Award winner For You Are a Kenyan Child, accompanied by Jude Daly's beautiful folk art-style illustrations.
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Chirchir
Discussion points
How do you think Chirchir feels when she tries to help her family?
What are some ways Chirchir shows she cares for her family and friends?
Why do you think singing is important to Chirchir?
Can you think of a time when you wanted to help someone? What happened?
How do the different family members react to Chirchir’s help, and what does that teach us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider Chirchir’s feelings and motivations.
Highlight the importance of perseverance by discussing Chirchir’s continued attempts to help despite challenges.
Use the story as a gateway to talk about your family's values and the importance of helping each other.
Relate the book to your child’s experiences by asking them to share stories of when they tried to help someone.
Discuss the cultural aspects presented in the book to foster a broader worldview and appreciation for diversity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Helpfulness
Explanation: In 'Chirchir Is Singing,' the main character, Chirchir, attempts to assist her family members in their daily tasks, demonstrating the importance of helping others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by participating in household chores or helping their peers at school, fostering a spirit of community and cooperation.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite facing difficulties and not always being successful in her initial attempts to help, Chirchir continues to try and find ways she can be useful, illustrating the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to keep trying in the face of challenges, whether it be learning a new skill or solving a problem at home or school.
Example Lesson: Self-discovery
Explanation: As Chirchir explores different ways to help her family, she learns more about her own strengths and capabilities, highlighting the theme of self-discovery.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore different activities and interests to discover what they are good at and what they enjoy, aiding in their personal development.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of culture
Explanation: The story is set in rural Kenya and includes details of the daily life and culture, teaching children about diversity and global awareness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultures and backgrounds, which is vital in our increasingly global society.