Egg
on Goodreads (2,020)
What’s inside...
Egg is a graphic novel for preschoolers about four eggs, one big surprise, and an unlikely friendship. One egg is blue, one is pink, one is yellow, and one is green. Three of the eggs hatch and reveal three baby birds who fly away, but the green egg does not hatch. The three birds return to investigate the green egg and are in for a big surprise!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-4
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the egg in the story symbolizes?
How did the characters' feelings change throughout the story?
Why do you think the author chose to use different colors for each egg?
What does friendship mean to you, and how do you make friends?
How would you help a friend who feels left out or different?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive tones and varying voices for different characters to make the story more engaging.
Encourage your child to draw their interpretation of the egg or other key elements from the story.
Discuss the themes of anticipation and transformation as portrayed in the book.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences with waiting for something or meeting new friends.
After reading, encourage your child to talk about their feelings and thoughts, reinforcing emotional understanding and expression.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: In 'Egg,' the characters wait patiently for the last egg to hatch, demonstrating the value of patience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to wait calmly for their turn or for anticipated events, fostering patience in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Friendship
Explanation: The birds that hatch from the eggs form a bond and welcome the surprising creature from the last egg, illustrating friendship and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by forming inclusive relationships with peers who may be different from them.
Example Lesson: Acceptance
Explanation: Despite the surprise of what hatches from the fourth egg, the birds accept the newcomer, teaching acceptance of differences.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace differences in others around them, such as in school or social settings.
Example Lesson: Curiosity
Explanation: The anticipation of what's inside the eggs stirs curiosity in readers and characters alike.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore the unknown and ask questions about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: When the unexpected creature struggles to fit in, its continued efforts to be part of the group exemplify perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to keep trying in the face of challenges, whether in learning new skills or making friends.