Do Goldfish Play the Violin?
#5 in Adventures with Jeremy James Series
What’s inside...
Jeremy James can solve problems like Melissa's violin, Daddy's lost car keys and a missing Virgin Mary. But when it comes to yellow and purple hair, paying bills and falling into the river Jeremy finds himself coming unstuck.
Discussion points
What do you think a goldfish would do if it could play a musical instrument?
How do you think the other fish in the tank felt about the goldfish playing the violin?
If you could teach any animal to play an instrument, which animal and instrument would you choose, and why?
What part of the story made you laugh the most, and why?
Can you think of another silly or unexpected thing an animal could do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think the book might be about just by hearing the title. This activates their imagination and sets the stage for engagement.
While reading, pause at exciting moments and ask predictive questions to keep them intrigued.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of a scene where the goldfish is playing the violin. Discuss their artwork to deepen connection with the story.
Post-reading, relate the story to real life by discussing if they have ever seen animals doing human activities and what that was like.
Revisit the book after a few days and see if your child remembers or thinks differently about any parts of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The protagonist's journey to find out if goldfish can play the violin encourages children to explore and ask questions about the world around them.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to engage in discovery, ask questions, and learn about different subjects that pique their interest.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: The whimsical idea of a goldfish playing the violin sparks imagination and teaches children the value of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to utilize their creativity to solve problems and to express themselves in unique ways in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the book, the character's persistent quest in understanding more about goldfish illustrates the importance of perseverance when confronted with a challenge.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to keep trying and to not give up easily, whether they are learning a new skill, undertaking tasks, or facing academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Understanding Diversity
Explanation: The story subtly highlights the diversity in the capabilities of different creatures, promoting an understanding of and appreciation for differences.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate differences among their peers and in the wider world, fostering a sense of inclusion and empathy.
Example Lesson: Joy of Learning
Explanation: The book shows the joy and satisfaction that comes from learning new things, even if the outcomes are unexpected.
Real-World Application: This instills a lifelong love of learning in children, encouraging them to seek knowledge and enjoyment in education.