Das Glück der kleinen Dinge - Happiness With the Small Things: (Bilingual Books German - English ed.)
What’s inside...
This bilingual book, written in both German and English, takes readers on a journey through the simple pleasures and small moments that make life joyful. It emphasizes the importance of appreciating the little things in life and finding happiness in everyday experiences. The beautifully illustrated pages by Italian author and artist Maria Cappello invite readers to rediscover the beauty of happiness in the small things. This book is perfect for an afternoon break or a bedtime story and is sure to become a family favorite.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-9
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What small things made the characters in the story happy? Can you think of small things that make you happy?
How did the characters show appreciation for the little joys in life? How can we show gratitude for the small things in our day-to-day life?
Why do you think it's important to find happiness in small things? How does it make you feel?
How do the illustrations in the book help convey the theme of finding joy in the little things? What is your favorite picture and why?
If you could add a small thing to the story that makes you happy, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child to think about what small things make them happy. This sets a personal connection to the book's theme.
Encourage children to express their feelings about the story and relate them to their own experiences. It makes the discussion more relatable and impactful.
Use the bilingual nature of the book to explore language and culture. Discuss the German words and their meanings as a fun way to learn together.
Revisit the book’s illustrations after reading. Discussing the pictures can help children connect visual elements to the emotions and themes of the story.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw or write about a small thing that brings them happiness. It’s a creative way to reinforce the book's message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Simplicity
Explanation: This story emphasizes the joy found in simple everyday objects and experiences, showing children that happiness doesn't require grand or expensive things.
Real-World Application: Children can practice appreciating simple pleasures like playing outside, drawing, or helping in the kitchen, fostering a sense of contentment and gratitude.
Example Lesson: Bilingual Language Skills
Explanation: By presenting the story in both German and English, children are exposed to a bilingual reading experience, enhancing their language abilities and cognitive flexibility.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by practicing words in both languages, helping them in language classes at school or in communicating with friends or relatives who speak German or English.
Example Lesson: Value of Mindfulness
Explanation: The book highlights being mindful and present in the moment when enjoying small things, teaching children to fully engage with their surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children can practice mindfulness daily by taking moments to focus on their senses, such as listening to sounds, or feeling textures, which can improve focus and reduce anxiety.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Reading stories from a dual language perspective introduces children to cultural diversity, promoting understanding and acceptance of different cultural expressions.
Real-World Application: Kids can explore other bilingual books or cultural activities, increasing their global awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Emotional Growth
Explanation: The book's gentle narrative helps children understand and express their own emotions about happiness and contentment, encouraging emotional maturity.
Real-World Application: Children can discuss what makes them happy with friends or family and learn to recognize and respect what brings joy to others, fostering empathy.