Happy Birthday, Jamela!
#4 in Jamela Series
What’s inside...
It's Jamela's birthday, and she and Mama are off to buy some new shoes. As soon as Jamela sees the Princess Shoes with their sparkly buckles and little satin bows, she falls in love with them, but Mama points out that she'll have to wear the shoes for school too, so a sad Jamela ends up with sensible black shoes. Alone in her room, Jamela tries her best to make the shoes look princessy with beads, glitter and glue. She only succeeds in making Mama very angry, but a lady called Lilly thinks Jamela's decorated shoes are fabulous. What Jamela wants for her birthday is a pair of beautiful princess shoes. What she gets instead is clunky, practical school shoes. Jamela is definitely disappointed, but with glitter, beads, and glue - and a burst of inspiration - she transforms her present into a funky, fun work of art. Mama thinks Jamela's handiwork is a waste of hard-earned money until a local artist helps Jamela tap the full potential of her spirited creativity. Vibrant illustrations animate a sunny and satisfying story set in South Africa about embracing the imagination and also about feelings and situations that often arise at birthdays and other gift-giving occasions.
Discussion points
How do you think Jamela felt when her dress got ruined, and how would you feel in her situation?
What are some ways that Jamela tried to solve her problem, and what would you have done differently?
Why is it important to help others, like how Aunt Beauty helped Jamela?
How do the colorful illustrations enhance the story for you?
What does this story teach us about family and community?
Tip: Role play these questions
While reading, emphasize the emotions that Jamela experiences throughout the story to help your child understand her perspective.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at several points in the story to keep them engaged and thinking critically.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character from the book. Discuss why they chose that particular scene or character.
Connect the story to your child's experiences by discussing any similar events they've encountered and how they felt or reacted.
Praise your child for thoughtful answers and encourage them to ask their own questions about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Jamela is tasked with buying fabric and ends up using it to make a dress. This demonstrates her creative response to a mistake.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of taking responsibility for their actions and making amends where possible.
Example Lesson: Creativity and resourcefulness
Explanation: When faced with the challenge of ruining the fabric meant for Mama's apron, Jamela crafts an innovative solution by creating a dress.
Real-World Application: Encourages kids to think creatively to solve problems and use their resources wisely.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Despite her initial disappointment and trouble, Jamela finds a way to manage the situation effectively, showing her adaptability.
Real-World Application: Teaches children to bounce back from mistakes or setbacks and learn from their experiences.
Example Lesson: Community and family support
Explanation: The story shows how Jamela's community and family come together to help and support her when she faces a dilemma.
Real-World Application: Emphasizes the importance of seeking help and finding strength in community and family ties.
Example Lesson: Celebration of culture
Explanation: Jamela’s story is situated in a vibrant community that celebrates African culture, depicted through the fabric shopping and her engagement with her neighborhood.
Real-World Application: Encourages appreciation and respect for one’s own and others' cultures through participation and understanding.