Here I Am! Said Smedley (Blue Bananas Level 2)
Blue bananas Series
What’s inside...
Smedley the shy chameleon blends in so well with his surroundings that he can't be seen at all. Then the bold Sally Skinky arrives and sees Smedley's true talent for standing out. Full-color illustrations.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Smedley feel different? How did it make him feel?
Can you think of a time when you felt different or didn't fit in like Smedley? What happened?
Smedley made some friends by the end of the story. What qualities do you think make a good friend?
How do you think Smedley's friends helped him feel better?
If you were in the story, what would you have done to help Smedley?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the times they've felt different, relating it to Smedley’s experiences in the book.
Discuss the importance of friendship and inclusivity, asking your child to think about ways they can be a good friend like the characters in the book.
Use examples from the book to talk about empathy and understanding. Ask your child how they think Smedley felt during different parts of the story and why.
Highlight the positive outcomes of the story. Discuss with your child how things changed for Smedley once he met his friends, and talk about the importance of acceptance.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: Smedley the dog demonstrates that it's okay to be different and unique. He proudly declares 'Here I am!' showcasing his confidence.
Real-World Application: Children learn to celebrate their unique traits and understand that differences make them special, encouraging self-acceptance and confidence in social interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Communication
Explanation: Through Smedley's interactions with others, the story highlights how expressing oneself clearly helps in forming meaningful connections.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of expressing their thoughts and feelings clearly, aiding in better understanding and relationships with peers and adults.
Example Lesson: Cultivating Friendships
Explanation: Smedley shows the importance of being friendly and open to making new friends, which enriches his experiences.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be open and friendly, helping them build strong and supportive friendships from an early age.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: When faced with challenges, Smedley remains positive and determined, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere through difficulties, understanding that challenges are part of life and can be overcome with a positive attitude.