What’s inside...
As a youth, Daniel was captured by the army of Babylon, exiled to a foreign land, and forced to serve in King Nebuchadnezzar's court. Daniel's wisdom, integrity, and trust in God earned him a position of power as he served the king. But even when Daniel's wealth and prestige were threatened, he remained steadfastly faithful to God. The Lord rewarded Daniel for his faith, protecting him from those who would do him harm. Daniel provides an excellent example of a person who consistently lived his life in a way that honors God. The series Money at its Best: Millionaires of the Bible examines the lives of key figures from biblical history. The books in this series draw on the Bible and other religious writings, as well as on legends, folktales, and the work of modern scholars, to show how each of the people profiled used his or her wealth or privileged position in order to make a difference in the lives of others.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
123 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Daniel felt when he faced challenges? Can you relate to any of his feelings?
How did the people around Daniel help him in his journey?
What lessons can we learn from Daniel's story about perseverance and friendship?
If you were in Daniel’s world, what would you do differently?
What would you say to Daniel if you met him?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by asking them how they might feel in similar situations as Daniel.
Highlight the importance of support systems like family and friends that Daniel experiences, asking your child about their own sources of support.
Discuss the challenges that Daniel overcomes and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might face, which promotes problem-solving skills.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to enhance their creative thinking.
Empathize and validate your child’s feelings and thoughts as they relate to the story to build their confidence in expressing themselves.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'Daniel', the protagonist navigates challenges that teach him to understand and empathize with others' feelings and perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to better relate to peers and siblings, fostering a supportive environment at home and in school.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Throughout the story, Daniel encounters various obstacles but learns to overcome them with courage and determination.
Real-World Application: This instills a mindset in children to not give up when facing difficulties, whether it's solving a tough puzzle or learning a new skill.
Example Lesson: The importance of honesty
Explanation: Daniel makes a mistake in the story but comes clean about it, which resolves an important conflict.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to practice honesty in their daily interactions, promoting trust and accountability in their relationships.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Daniel experiences the joys and support of friendship, emphasizing the importance of having friends and being a good friend.
Real-World Application: Children learn to nurture friendships through kindness and cooperation, which are essential skills throughout life.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Daniel uses his imagination to solve problems and entertain others, showcasing the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their creativity in play and problem-solving, boosting cognitive development and enjoyment in learning.