Estie the Mensch (The PJ Library: Jewish Bedtime Stories & Songs for Families)
on Goodreads (75)
What’s inside...
Estie does not always like people and prefers to imagine herself as different animals. When her grandmother urges her to be a mensch, or a good person, Estie struggles with the concept until an incident helps her realize the importance of being kind and considerate to others. Through this experience, both Estie and her grandmother discover the true meaning of being a mensch.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it means to be a 'mensch' like Estie?
How did Estie show kindness to others in the story?
Can you think of a time when you helped someone and how it made you feel?
Why is it important to be respectful and considerate to others?
How can we practice being a mensch in our daily lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Estie’s actions in the story, fostering empathy and self-reflection. Use praise to reinforce their insights and contributions during the discussion. Highlight examples from the book and everyday life to emphasize the values of kindness and respect. Lastly, keep the conversation light and enjoyable to maintain their interest and enthusiasm about the topic.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness
Explanation: Estie learns the consequences of her actions when she is not kind to others, realizing the impact of her words and behavior.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being mindful of how they treat their peers, practicing empathy and kindness in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: The value of forgiveness
Explanation: The story highlights how characters forgive Estie for her mistakes, teaching her the importance of forgiveness.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to forgive others who may have wronged them and understand that everyone makes mistakes.
Example Lesson: Being true to oneself
Explanation: Estie struggles with her identity and learns to appreciate her unique qualities.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to embrace their individuality and be proud of who they are, regardless of external pressures or expectations.