In the Small, Small Night
on Goodreads (49)
What’s inside...
Kofi can't sleep in his new home in the United States, so his older sister Abena soothes his fears about life in a different country by telling him two folktales from their native Ghana about the nature of wisdom and perseverance. In the middle of the night, the world can seem huge and frightening, especially when you've just moved far from home. On Abena and Kofi's first night in America, it is late and it is dark and they are up worrying. What if a giant lizard or a slender-snouted crocodile crawled into their suitcases? What if the people in their new school laugh at them? What if they forget Grandmother and their cousins, now that they are an ocean away? But Abena knows a secret to help them. It is a secret that can make the world and the night seem small again. She reaches for her new flashlight and turns it on. She says to her little brother, Kofi, 'Pretend this is the moon. Close your eyes.' And then she begins telling the folktales.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Abena
Kofi
Discussion points
Why do you think Kofi was feeling scared at night, and what helped him feel better?
What are some of the stories Kofi's sister shared with him? How do you think those stories helped Kofi?
Can you think of a time when a story or a memory made you feel better?
How do the illustrations make you feel about the night time? What colors and shapes do you notice?
If you could share a story with Kofi, what would it be about?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a calm and soothing voice when discussing the nighttime, mirroring the comforting tone of the book.
Encourage empathy by asking your child how they think Kofi felt during different parts of the book, and relate those emotions to their own experiences.
Highlight the cultural aspects of the stories Kofi's sister tells. Discuss the importance of heritage and traditions.
After reading, consider creating a 'story night' where each family member tells a short story, fostering a shared family experience.
Use the illustrations in the book to engage your child visually as well as textually, asking them to describe what they see and how it relates to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: In the story, Kofi listens to comforting folktales from his sister Abena, which helps him overcome his fear of the dark and feeling lonely. These tales also help him understand and connect with his cultural roots.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to support their siblings or friends when they are scared or upset, showing empathy and fostering a deeper connection through shared experiences and stories.
Example Lesson: Courage and Overcoming Fear
Explanation: Kofi faces his fear of the dark throughout the night and learns that with understanding and support, he can manage and overcome his fears.
Real-World Application: This illustrates to children that fears can be conquered with courage and the help of family, encouraging them to face their own fears, whether it's the dark, starting school, or making new friends.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Cultural Heritage
Explanation: The folktales told by Abena are rooted in their African heritage, which not only comforts Kofi but also strengthens their cultural identity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to learn and take pride in their own cultural stories and traditions, enhancing their cultural competence and identity.
Example Lesson: Sibling Bonding
Explanation: The story showcases the strong bond between Kofi and his sister as they share stories and comfort each other, highlighting the importance of sibling support.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the value of building strong, supportive relationships with their siblings, helping them to nurture these relationships through shared activities and understanding.
Example Lesson: Imagination and Creativity
Explanation: By listening to folktales, Kofi engages his imagination, which helps him to deal with his fears creatively.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to use their imagination as a tool for problem-solving and coping with difficulties, fostering creativity that can be applied in various aspects of life.