Granny Ting Ting: A Bloomsbury Reader
Bloomsbury Readers Series
on Goodreads (34)
What’s inside...
Granny Ting Ting: A Bloomsbury Reader is a children's book written by Patrice Lawrence that follows the story of a young girl named Tia who visits her grandmother in Jamaica. During her visit, Tia learns about her family's history, heritage, and the importance of storytelling and tradition. The book is part of the Bloomsbury Reader series aimed at providing engaging stories for young readers aged 7 and up. It is part of the Brown Book Band. Another story follows nine-year-old Michael who travels from London to Trinidad to visit his grandmother and cousin, Shayla. A rivalry ensues between Michael and Shayla, leading Shayla to initially believe her life in Arouca is dull. However, their plan to cheer up their grandmother helps Shayla realize her life is indeed full of excitement.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Michael felt when he first met Granny Ting Ting? Can you think of a time you met someone new?
Granny Ting Ting and Michael live in different countries. What are some differences and similarities you noticed about their lifestyles?
Why do you think sharing stories between generations, like Michael and Granny Ting Ting, is important?
How did the characters in the book show kindness to each other? Can you share an example of when you were kind to someone or someone was kind to you?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the discussion by sharing your own experience related to a theme in the book, such as a memorable time with a grandparent or a learning experience from a cultural difference.
Encourage your child to express feelings or connections by relating the characters’ experiences to their own life. This promotes empathy and understanding.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection.
Create a comfortable and distraction-free environment to make reading and discussion times special and focused.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of empathy and understanding
Explanation: In 'Granny Ting Ting: A Bloomsbury Reader,' Michael visits his cousin Shayla in Trinidad and learns to understand and appreciate the differences in their lifestyles and cultures.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to appreciate and respect the diverse backgrounds and cultures of their classmates and neighbors.
Example Lesson: The value of family relationships
Explanation: Throughout the story, the strong bond between Michael and Shayla, despite living far apart, highlights the importance of maintaining family connections.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to cherish and maintain bonds with their own family members, regardless of distance, and to value the family's role in their lives.
Example Lesson: Overcoming challenges with creativity and resourcefulness
Explanation: Michael faces the challenge of communicating with Shayla without knowing her local dialect well. He creatively learns and adapts, which helps them form a strong bond.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being resourceful and creative when facing challenges, whether in adjusting to a new school, learning a new subject, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Respect for elders and their wisdom
Explanation: The character of Granny Ting Ting is central to the story, providing guidance and wisdom to both children, which helps them navigate their summer adventures.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to seek advice from and appreciate the elderly in their community and family, recognizing the value of their experiences and knowledge.
Example Lesson: Exploring and appreciating nature
Explanation: The setting in Trinidad, with its lush and vibrant environment, plays a key role in the story, highlighting the beauty and importance of the natural world.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore and appreciate nature, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the environment while enjoying outdoor activities.