Doris
on Goodreads (152)
What’s inside...
Doris dances to her own tune in this whimsical and emotionally resonant tale about finding the courage to be yourself. Doris has always reveled in the warmth of a spotlight. Her whole life, she’s danced the nights away, with friends from the only home she’s ever known. But one day, Doris twirls… Out Of Step …Until she stumbles across a whole new kind of spotlight. This gorgeous tale by award winning picture book creator Sarah Jacoby, filled with breathtaking art, is a classic in the making, reminiscent of favorites such as Ferdinand and Peter Rabbit. It will surely melt your heart and might even make you want to dance in the moonlight!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Doris felt when she embarked on her adventure?
What do you think is the importance of exploring new places, like Doris did?
Can you think of a time you tried something new? How did it make you feel?
What can we learn from the friendships and interactions Doris had throughout her journey?
If you could go on an adventure like Doris, where would you like to go and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to bring the story of Doris to life, changing your tone to match the emotions and actions in the book.
After reading a segment, pause and ask your child how they might feel in Doris’ situation, promoting empathy and personal connection.
Discuss the illustrations in the book with your child, asking them what they notice and how those images make them feel or what they make them think about.
Encourage your child to draw a picture of their own adventure inspired by Doris' story, which can lead to a deeper discussion on the themes of exploration and friendship.
Link discussions about the book’s themes to real-life situations in your child's experiences to help them apply the lessons learned from Doris.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The value of curiosity and exploration
Explanation: In 'Doris', the protagonist's journey is propelled by her innate curiosity about the world around her, which leads to a series of discoveries.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their environments, ask questions, and learn from their surroundings, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Example Lesson: The importance of friendship and trust
Explanation: Doris encounters various characters along her journey, and through these interactions, learns the importance of building trust and valuing friendships.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand how to cultivate and maintain relationships, and the significant role that trust plays in friendships.
Example Lesson: Overcoming fears and challenges
Explanation: Throughout the story, Doris faces several challenges that initially scare her, but she learns to overcome her fears with courage and determination.
Real-World Application: Teaches children that facing fears is a part of life, and that overcoming them is possible with courage, showcasing resilience.
Example Lesson: The joy of sharing stories
Explanation: Doris loves to share her adventures with others, highlighting the joy and connection that comes from storytelling.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to share their own stories and experiences, enhancing their communication skills and emotional connections with others.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: The vivid descriptions and illustrations of nature in 'Doris' help instill a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
Real-World Application: Motivates children to observe and appreciate nature, promoting environmental awareness and personal responsibility towards conservation.