Gemma and the Giant Girl
What’s inside...
A doll named Gemma lives in an old forgotten dollhouse, always wondering if she will ever grow up. Her parents reassure her that she will always be their little girl. However, everything changes when a GIANT opens the dollhouse, introducing new things and providing Gemma the opportunity to explore the enormous world beyond her familiar surroundings. Gemma and the Giant Girl is a beautifully illustrated and poignant story that evokes the feeling of being small in a big world and highlights how even the smallest individuals can take charge of their destinies.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did Gemma feel when she first met the Giant Girl, and how do her feelings change throughout the story?
What would you do if you met someone who was very different from you, like the Giant Girl?
How do the illustrations help tell the story? Which picture is your favorite and why?
What does Gemma learn about friendship by the end of the book?
If you could ask the Giant Girl one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to connect with Gemma's feelings and experiences by relating them to their own life. Use expressive questions to explore themes of friendship, diversity, and empathy. Highlight the role of illustrations in understanding the story, prompting your child to observe and interpret the visuals. Lastly, foster an imaginative approach by asking what they would inquire or say to the Giant Girl, enhancing their engagement and creativity.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In the story, Gemma learns to understand and empathize with the feelings of the giant girl, which helps her navigate their differences and form a friendship.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to consider the feelings of others in their daily interactions, fostering better relationships and social skills.
Example Lesson: Courage and Adventure
Explanation: Gemma shows bravery when she decides to explore the world of the giant girl, teaching that stepping out of one's comfort zone can lead to exciting and rewarding experiences.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be open to new experiences, whether it’s trying out a new activity at school or making a new friend, helping them grow and learn.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The story highlights the power of imagination as Gemma and the giant girl share and create different worlds together.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to use their own creativity to solve problems, entertain themselves, and express their thoughts and feelings.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, the characters work together and help each other, demonstrating the value of teamwork and cooperation.
Real-World Application: The concepts of sharing, helping, and collaborating can be practiced in group activities at school or at play, enhancing peer interactions and cooperative skills.