Extra Yarn
What’s inside...
From bestselling and award-winning author Mac Barnett and illustrator Jon Klassen comes a story about an ordinary box full of ordinary yarn that turns out to be not so ordinary after all.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Annabelle might have felt when she found the box of extra yarn?
Why do you think the yarn never ran out for Annabelle?
How did the townspeople's attitudes change throughout the story? What caused those changes?
What would you do if you had a box of never-ending yarn?
How do you think the story would have ended if Annabelle had given the yarn to the Archduke?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in Annabelle's shoes and ask how they might use the yarn to benefit their own community.
Discuss the themes of generosity and greed as depicted in the story. Ask your child about times when they have shared something important to them.
Highlight the transformation of the town and its people. Talk about the importance of color and vibrancy in life.
Use real yarn to create small crafts or simple knitting during the reading session to make the experience more interactive.
Praise your child’s insights and thoughts, connecting them to real-life values and ethics.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Generosity
Explanation: In 'Extra Yarn,' Annabelle discovers a box of colorful yarn and decides to knit sweaters for everyone around her, including the animals. Her selflessness in sharing her magical yarn exemplifies the spirit of generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their own 'treasures,' whether those are toys, time, or talents, with others around them to spread joy and make their communities warmer places.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite the skepticism of the townsfolk and several attempts by others to steal her magical box of yarn, Annabelle keeps knitting. Her determination demonstrates how perseverance can lead to impactful results.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persisting with their hobbies or tasks, even when facing obstacles or when others doubt them.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Annabelle uses her yarn to transform her gray, dull town into a vibrant, colorful place. Her creative use of the yarn not only beautifies the town but also changes the mood of its inhabitants.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to use their imagination to creatively solve problems and bring color to everyday life, whether through art, innovation or simple acts of kindness.
Example Lesson: Contentment
Explanation: Though offered riches by an archduke for her magical yarn box, Annabelle remains content with her life and finds joy in her ability to knit, not in material wealth.
Real-World Application: This story can help children understand that happiness isn't derived from possessions but from doing what one loves and bringing happiness to others.
Example Lesson: Impact of Kindness
Explanation: Annabelle's generous actions lead to a transformed community that is happier and more connected. Her kindness through the simple act of knitting and giving has a profound effect on her world.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to consider how small acts of kindness can have a big impact on their school, friends, and community.