#1 in Clarice Bean Series
Clarice Bean, That's Me
1999 by
on Goodreads (1,044)
What’s inside...
Clarice Bean gives us a snapshot into her life and family, sharing the chaos of her family home, school life and her quirky insights. She navigates the complexities of family dynamics, school and friendships with humor and a unique perspective.
Why read this book
- Colorful illustrations enhance engaging and humorous narrative.
- Encourages self-expression and creativity in children.
- Addresses family dynamics and sibling relationships.
- Supports language development and vocabulary expansion.
The Big Picture
- Promotes self-expression and confidence in children.
- Encourages appreciation for family diversity.
- Supports discussions on individual roles in family.
- Highlights understanding and acceptance of differences.
Diversity & Representation
- Showcases diverse family dynamics with humor and empathy.
- Encourages acceptance and understanding through multicultural friendships.
- Promotes gender equality subtly through character roles.
Book in series
#1
Age
3-5
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think Clarice Bean means when she says 'that's me'? How does it make you feel about who you are?
How does Clarice Bean's family compare to our family? What's different and what's similar?
Clarice Bean has a very lively imagination. Can you think of a time when you used your imagination to solve a problem or make someone happy?
Why do you think Clarice Bean finds comfort in her family, even though they are all so different from each other?
What did you learn about handling disagreements or misunderstandings from Clarice Bean’s interactions with her family?
Tip: Role play these questions
Listen actively and validate your child's responses, showing that their views and feelings are important.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, as this can deepen understanding and empathy.
Use follow-up questions to delve deeper into your child’s thoughts, encouraging critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
Highlight the uniqueness of each character in the book, discussing how everyone’s differences contribute to the dynamics of a family.
Discuss with your child the importance of family and understanding, emphasizing these aspects as you read.
What parents love
Perfect blend of humor and life lessons.
Engages kids with its relatable school-age protagonist.
Beautiful illustrations complement the witty text.
Encourages dialogue on everyday challenges.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Individuality
Explanation: Clarice Bean celebrates her uniqueness throughout the story, embracing her thoughts and perspectives that differ from others in her family.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate their uniqueness and express themselves confidently, understanding that it’s okay to be different.
Example Lesson: Value of Family
Explanation: Despite the occasional chaos, Clarice shows a deep affection for her family members, highlighting the importance of family bonds.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to see the value in family relationships and to contribute positively to family dynamics.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: Clarice often faces challenges that require creative thinking and problem solving, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to think outside the box and apply creative solutions to obstacles they encounter in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the book, Clarice demonstrates understanding and consideration for the feelings and experiences of others, even when they differ from her own.
Real-World Application: Helps children develop empathy, improving their ability to connect with peers and foster meaningful relationships.
Example Lesson: Joy in Everyday Life
Explanation: Clarice finds joy in everyday activities and interactions, emphasizing the beauty of life’s simple moments.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to find happiness in daily life and to appreciate the small things that bring joy.