Give and Take
on Goodreads (402)
What’s inside...
A clever story of greed and goodness, and the art of finding the in-between, from two-time Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka, creator of the New York Times bestselling A Ball for Daisy. Watch the farmer’s ear. Now watch the two small, clever fellows in pointy hats whispering into it, first one, then the other. Give and Take. They cannot agree. Listen now to the farmer talk back—and, in this story of apples, pumpkins, pigs, and a final surprise, he just might get the better of both of them.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in the story show kindness to each other?
What do you think it means to give something to someone else? How does it make you feel when you share?
Can you think of a time when you had to decide between keeping something for yourself or giving it to someone else? What did you choose to do?
Why do you think it's important to take turns?
What would you do if you were in the same situation as the main character?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they think 'giving' and 'taking' mean. This sets the stage for deeper understanding of the book's themes.
Pause at key moments in the story to ask your child how they think a character feels or what they might do next. This builds empathy and prediction skills.
After finishing the book, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite part. Discuss why they chose that particular scene.
Create real-life connections by discussing family or school situations where giving and taking are important.
Encourage your child to tell you about a time they shared something and how it made them feel. This reinforces the book's themes through personal reflection.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: The story illustrates the joy and benefits that come when characters share their belongings with others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share toys and resources with their peers, fostering a sense of cooperation and community.
Example Lesson: The value of empathy
Explanation: Characters in the book are portrayed understanding and feeling the emotions of others, which leads to kinder interactions.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the feelings of others in real life, promoting empathy and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: The consequences of greed
Explanation: The narrative shows negative outcomes for characters who act out of greed rather than generosity.
Real-World Application: Children learn that selfish behavior can lead to isolation and conflict, encouraging them to act with generosity.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in face of difficulties
Explanation: Characters overcome challenges through persistence, demonstrating that perseverance can lead to positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to keep trying in difficult tasks or situations in school or at home.
Example Lesson: Celebrating differences
Explanation: The book highlights how differences between characters enrich their interactions, promoting diversity and acceptance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace and celebrate the unique qualities of each individual in their own communities.