I Knew You Could Do It!
NA Series
on Goodreads (189)
What’s inside...
Here comes another heartfelt picture book from bestselling author Nancy Tillman, this time about resilience and reaching one's goals. 'I Knew You Could Do It!' is a celebration of everyday accomplishments as well as life's milestones. It applauds those who have overcome hurdles and challenges, and cheers them into the future while also providing support and reassurance with the message, 'I believe in you.' The board book version carries the same theme, further emphasizing belief in oneself through rhymes and affirmations, encouraging and supporting readers as they overcome obstacles and celebrate their achievements.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the encouragement in the story make the characters feel? Can you think of a time when encouragement made you feel the same way?
What challenges did the characters face and how did they overcome them? What can we learn from their experiences?
How did the friends in the book help each other succeed? Why is it important to support our friends and family?
What does the phrase 'I knew you could do it!' mean to you? How does it make you feel when someone says that to you?
If you were a character in the book, what advice would you give to the others facing challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story. Validate their feelings and share similar experiences you've had.
While discussing the book, use facial expressions and voice modulation to make the story more engaging and to emphasize the emotions in different scenarios.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child's responses to encourage deeper thinking and connection to the book's themes.
Connect the book's message to real-life situations your child might face, such as trying something new or facing a difficult task, to reinforce the theme of perseverance and support.
Praise your child for their insights and contributions to the discussion to boost their confidence and encourage a love for reading and sharing.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Believing in oneself
Explanation: The book showcases a series of challenges that the protagonist overcomes through self-belief and determination.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by tackling their own challenges, whether in academics, sports, or personal goals, with confidence and resilience.
Example Lesson: Encouragement and support
Explanation: Characters in the story provide support and words of encouragement to the protagonist, reinforcing the importance of a supportive network.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and seek support from family and friends in times of difficulties, and to offer the same encouragement to others.
Example Lesson: Celebrating achievements
Explanation: As challenges are overcome, achievements are celebrated which boosts the protagonist’s self-esteem.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to take pride in their accomplishments, big or small, fostering a positive self-image and motivation to continue achieving.