DO I HAVE TO TAKE VIOLET
#15 of 220 in Henry and Mudge Series
What’s inside...
The book 'DO I HAVE TO TAKE VIOLET' by Suçie Stevenson is a humorous and heartwarming story about a young girl named Violet who is struggling to fit in at school. As she navigates the ups and downs of friendship and self-acceptance, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and the importance of being true to oneself. With charming illustrations and relatable characters, this book is a delightful read for children and adults alike. Merriment abounds in this buoyant tale of a bunny forced to spend an afternoon with her pesky sibling--and who finds she enjoys it. Ages 5-8.
Discussion points
How did you feel when Julian finally decided to take his little sister Violet along? What would you do in a similar situation?
What are some ways Julian showed he cared for Violet, even though he was initially reluctant?
Why do you think it's important to include everyone in activities, even if they're younger or different from us?
How do you think the story would have changed if Julian hadn't taken Violet with him?
What did you learn about being a big brother or sister from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Utilize pauses after reading key passages to ask your child how they interpret Julian’s actions and feelings. This encourages empathy and critical thinking.
Relate the story to your child’s own experiences with siblings or friends to deepen their personal connection to the themes.
Encourage your child to think about and articulate ways they can be inclusive in their own life, similar to how Julian learned to include Violet.
Discuss the characters’ emotions and actions, and ask your child to imagine alternative behaviors and outcomes. This fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story portrays the protagonist's journey in understanding and accepting his sister Violet's different needs and feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to recognize and respect the feelings and needs of others in school or at home, fostering a more empathetic and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The main character learns to take care of his younger sister, showcasing the importance of responsibility.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to take on appropriate responsibilities, such as looking after siblings or completing household chores, enhancing their sense of duty and dependability.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist faces unexpected situations with his sister, learning to adapt and find solutions.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to adjust to changes and overcome challenges in their daily activities, whether in academic or social settings.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The narrative highlights how the siblings work together to solve the problems they encounter.
Real-World Application: This promotes critical thinking and collaboration among children, useful in group tasks or when facing personal challenges.
Example Lesson: Family Bonding
Explanation: The story emphasizes the strengthening of the sibling bond through shared experiences and understanding.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to spend quality time with family members, building stronger relationships and creating fond memories together.