Ella
on Goodreads (497)
What’s inside...
A spiteful, conceited elephant runs away from the circus and immediately regrets her course of action. Ella the elephant thinks of herself as a famous circus star, but gets a lesson in humility when a mean farmer puts her to work.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-2
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Ella's feelings change throughout the story? What made her feel that way?
What do you think Ella learned about friendship and teamwork?
If you were Ella, how would you have handled the situations she faced?
Why do you think Ella decided to help even when she was afraid?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by reading the book together and let your child describe the illustrations and predict what might happen next. Use expressive voices for different characters to make the story more engaging. After reading, relate the themes of the book to your child’s real-life experiences to make the lessons more relatable. Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about Ella’s decisions, fostering a deeper understanding of empathy and courage. Finally, enhance understanding by asking your child to draw their favorite scene, discussing the emotions and actions of the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and Kindness
Explanation: Ella, the protagonist, consistently displays kindness to others throughout the story, no matter their background or situation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to treat everyone with respect and empathy, making their schools and communities more inclusive and supportive.
Example Lesson: Self-Confidence
Explanation: Ella shows confidence in her abilities and ideas, despite doubt from others, ultimately proving her worth and capabilities.
Real-World Application: Kids can be encouraged to believe in themselves and their unique qualities, which is crucial for their personal development and self-esteem.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Ella creatively solves problems that arise, demonstrating the importance of thinking outside the box and persistence.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of facing challenges head-on and developing critical thinking skills in everyday situations.
Example Lesson: Impact of Actions on Others
Explanation: Through her interactions, Ella learns how her actions affect those around her, promoting a message of mindfulness and consideration.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think about how their actions might influence others, fostering a more thoughtful and cooperative environment.