I Can't Do Anything!
illustrations by
on Goodreads (60)
What’s inside...
I Can't Do Anything! is a story about a young girl who is frustrated by the limitations placed on her behavior, in contrast to the carefree antics of animals around her. She is not allowed to stick out her tongue like a chameleon, burp like her little brother, or behave like animals who follow their natural instincts. The narrative explores themes of manners, family rules, and socially acceptable behavior. The book includes a note to parents by Tammy L. Hughes, PhD, discussing the importance of setting family rules and discussing manners with children. The Spanish 'Cubilete' edition offers a selection of fun, original, and beautifully illustrated books aimed at early readers, highlighting how the young protagonist is expected to behave better than animals and her little brother because she is a 'very good girl...or maybe not so much.'
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is something you find challenging, and how does it make you feel?
Can you think of a time when you thought you couldn’t do something, but you tried and were successful?
Why do you think the character felt they couldn’t do anything? What changed their mind?
How do you think practicing or asking for help might change the way we feel about difficult things?
What can you say to a friend who feels like they can’t do anything?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to share personal experiences related to the themes of the book to deepen their connection with the story.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to further explore their thoughts and feelings about overcoming challenges.
Provide examples from your own life where you faced and overcame a difficulty to show them that everyone experiences these feelings.
Praise your child for their efforts and achievements, no matter how small, to boost their confidence in handling challenging tasks.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: The protagonist struggles with feeling inadequate but ultimately learns to accept and value their unique qualities.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate their individual strengths and weaknesses, fostering a healthy self-image.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout the story, the character faces challenges but continues to try and overcome difficulties, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence in achieving goals and overcoming obstacles in school or during play.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The character learns to understand and share the feelings of others who face similar challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by supporting their peers, enhancing social interactions and friendships.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving
Explanation: The story encourages creative solutions when the character faces tough situations, emphasizing thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to apply creative thinking to resolve conflicts and problems they encounter in daily activities.
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Adapting to new situations is a theme as the character learns to navigate changes in their life and capabilities.
Real-World Application: This lesson is crucial as children often face changes in schooling, family dynamics, or living situations and must learn to adapt.