El Chupacabras
What’s inside...
From the bestselling author of Dragons Love Tacos, comes a whimsical re-telling of the chupacabra folktale, blending English and Spanish in a unique way. The story revolves around a girl named Carla who lives on a goat farm with her father, Hector. One night, a goat disappears and is found flat, leading to suspicions of El Chupacabras, a legendary creature. The narrative is brought to life with illustrations by Hollywood creature creator Crash McCreery and is written with a mirroring technique of half-Spanish/half-English sentences followed by their translations. This book not only tells an engaging story but also explores themes of harmony and understanding in a world filled with divisiveness, encouraging compassion and the appreciation of different perspectives.
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the goat felt when it met El Chupacabras, and why?
What would you do if you encountered a creature like El Chupacabras?
Why is it important to understand someone else's story before making a judgment?
Can you think of a time when something seemed scary at first, but turned out to be friendly?
What did you learn about courage and kindness from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own thoughts on El Chupacabras' actions and motivations. Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, whether it's excitement, fear, or curiosity. Help them connect the themes of the story to their own experiences by relating similar personal situations. Compliment your child on their insights and encourage them to ask questions about the story and characters. Use the illustrations in the book to point out details that might lead to deeper understanding of the mood and character motivations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In 'El Chupacabras,' the protagonist learns to understand the Chupacabra's actions rather than fearing him immediately. This understanding leads to empathy towards the creature.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to understand people's actions and perspectives before making judgments, promoting compassion and empathy in interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: The characters in the book collaborate to solve the mystery of the Chupacabra, showcasing how teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of working together with others, whether in school projects or family activities, to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Courage in Facing the Unknown
Explanation: Despite initial fears, the characters confront the Chupacabra, a symbol of the unknown, which highlights the theme of bravery.
Real-World Application: Children learn that facing fears, whether trying new activities or standing up for themselves, is an important part of growth and self-confidence.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The book integrates elements of Latin American folklore, specifically the legend of the Chupacabra, encouraging appreciation and respect for cultural stories and traditions.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore and respect diverse cultures and histories, broadening their worldviews.
Example Lesson: Critical Thinking
Explanation: As the characters investigate the truth about the Chupacabra, they use observation and reasoning, which encourages problem-solving skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children apply critical thinking skills in real-life scenarios, enhancing their decision-making processes and intellectual curiosity.