I Want to Be Spaghetti!
What’s inside...
A funny debut picture book tells the story of a little ramen packet learning self-love and belonging in a spaghetti-obsessed world. The story is complemented by a second narrative that follows a young girl's exploration into the world of mindfulness with the help of her teacher, Mr. Gentleheart. Through daily practices, she learns to appreciate each moment and discover the connection with her own breath. This book, along with its sister book, teaches young children the importance of mindfulness and appreciating each moment through a journey of personal discovery.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-11
Length
51 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What is your favorite part of the story, and why?
If you could be any type of pasta, what would you choose and what adventures would you go on?
How do you think the spaghetti felt about being chosen? Have you ever felt that way?
What are some ways you can help your friends achieve their dreams like the characters in the book?
If you were writing the next chapter of this book, what would happen next?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressions and voice modulation to mimic characters and situations, bringing the story to life for your child.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book, then discuss why that stood out to them.
Encourage your child to imagine alternate endings or continuations of the story, fostering creative thinking.
Relate themes from the book to real-life situations your child might encounter, enhancing understanding and empathy.
End your reading sessions by summarizing key lessons and asking your child how they might apply them in their own life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Individuality
Explanation: The main character dreams of being something unique and out of the ordinary, showing children it's okay to have unique aspirations.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and express their own unique talents and interests without fear of judgment.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Determination
Explanation: Despite others not understanding the protagonist’s desire to be spaghetti, the character persists, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of sticking to their goals, even when faced with challenges or when others do not immediately understand their passions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The whimsical idea of becoming spaghetti opens up a world of imagination, showing kids the power of creative thinking.
Real-World Application: Children learn to use their imagination to solve problems and create new possibilities, both in play and in real-life situations.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and Understanding
Explanation: Other characters in the book learn to accept the protagonist’s unique wish, promoting a message of acceptance.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of accepting and celebrating differences in others around them, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Joy in Learning and Exploration
Explanation: The pursuit of a peculiar ambition leads to fun and learning, emphasizing that the journey is as important as the destination.
Real-World Application: Encourages kids to enjoy learning as an exciting adventure, teaching them to value the process of gaining new knowledge and skills.