Close to Here
What’s inside...
Colour throughout; Close to here lives a girl who no one knows. No one invites her round. She has no friends. Nor even her own room. She would like to feel close to others, as you do. She goes to the same school. Sits at the next desk. Do you want to get to know her? She conceals inside her a mysterious treasure... Her rainbow. The story by Ida Mlakar Črnič is short but powerful. It goes deep, demolishing walls of prejudice and hatred.
Discussion points
What did you feel when the characters were exploring new places near their home?
How do you think the journey changed the characters by the end of the story?
If you could add a new location to their adventure, what would it be and why?
Which character did you relate to the most and what would you have done in their situation?
What’s your favorite part of our neighborhood or nearby places, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and emotions about the story, emphasizing there are no right or wrong answers.
Make connections between the book’s settings and familiar places to your child; this can make the story feel more relatable.
Ask your child to draw or describe an imaginary adventure close to your home, inspired by the book, which promotes creative thinking.
Discuss the characters' decisions and actions in the book and relate them to everyday life choices to enhance moral development.
After reading, consider visiting a nearby place mentioned in the book or similar locale, making the reading experience interactive and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The book illustrates empathy through the interactions between the characters as they navigate their surroundings and understand each other's feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can use these lessons to better relate to their peers' emotions and perspectives, promoting understanding and respectful communication.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, characters must work together to solve problems, demonstrating how teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of cooperating in group settings such as school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: The characters encounter various challenges but learn to overcome them with perseverance and resilience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to apply this resilience to their own life challenges, whether they are academic, social, or personal.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature
Explanation: The story underscores the importance of respecting and conserving the natural environment as characters interact with their natural surroundings.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to engage in environmentally friendly practices, such as recycling and conserving water.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The narrative encourages curiosity and learning as the characters explore new ideas and places.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to embrace learning opportunities in school and beyond, fostering a lifelong love for education.