Dear Ugly Sisters: And Other Poems
What’s inside...
Original, dazzling, and unconventional, this brilliant first solo collection has a surprise on every page. Go on a night flight, have a monster’s lunch, immerse yourself in birdsong. Shout out an Apatosaurus rap before checking out Alexander Fleming’s petri dish. Find fairy tales with a twist, poems to make you laugh—and reflective poems to think about. Full of variety, wit, and warmth, this is a spectacular debut from a poet to watch!
Why read this book
- Engages children with witty, playful poetry.
- Enhances vocabulary through diverse language and themes.
- Encourages creativity and a love for reading.
- Addresses emotions and relationships with humor.
The Big Picture
- Challenges traditional fairy tale narratives
- Enhances creative thinking and linguistic skills
- Encourages empathy through diverse perspectives
- Ideal for discussing resilience and understanding
What parents love
- Engaging and humorous poems for young children
- Handles sensitive topics with care
- Educational yet incredibly fun to read
- Promotes literacy and creative expression
Diversity & Representation
- Poems explore diverse themes with humor and sensitivity.
- Inclusive characters challenge stereotypes, promoting broad representation.
- Encourages empathy through varied cultural and social perspectives.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the Cinderella in 'Dear Ugly Sisters' feels about her sisters? Can you share a time you felt similar?
Why do you think the author chose to tell the stories in poems? How does it change the way we understand the characters' feelings?
What poem in the book was your favorite and why?
Which character in the poetry book would you like to meet and what would you ask them?
How can we learn from the characters in the book about treating others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each poem, relate personal experiences that connect to the themes presented.
Discuss the different perspectives showcased in the book and ask your child how they might feel in those situations.
Use the poems as a way to explore different emotions with your child, discussing what each character might be feeling and why.
Ask your child to draw or write their own poem inspired by one of the poems from the book, fostering a deeper connection and understanding of the material.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through whimsical poems that explore different perspectives, 'Dear Ugly Sisters' invites young readers to see the world from other points of view, fostering empathy.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this lesson to better understand their peers' feelings and viewpoints, promoting kindness and inclusivity in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: Laura Mucha encourages creative expression by intertwining fairy tales with real-world scenarios in her poems, showcasing the power of imagination.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to express themselves through writing, drawing, or storytelling, enhancing their creative skills which are important in problem-solving and innovation.
Example Lesson: Importance of Humor
Explanation: The book uses humor to engage readers, presenting laughter as a tool to connect with the texts and enjoy reading.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that humor can be a way to handle difficult situations lightly and bond with others.
Example Lesson: Confidence in Individuality
Explanation: Many poems highlight unique characters who embrace their individual traits, teaching kids to appreciate their own uniqueness.
Real-World Application: Fostering self-esteem and confidence, children learn to be proud of who they are, regardless of how they compare to others.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: By twisting traditional fairy tale endings and presenting unexpected outcomes, Mucha encourages readers to think critically about stories and question stereotypes.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this critical lens to not just stories but real-world situations, encouraging them to question and understand deeper meanings and motives.