James and the Ballons
Send-A-Story. Series
What’s inside...
The send-a-story format is a mini-mailer, consisting of a colour Thomas mini book enclosed within its own envelope. A colourfully-illustrated mini edition, introducing younger readers to Thomas the Tank Engine and his friends.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
20 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think James was interested in the balloons?
What would you do if you were in James' place?
How did James feel when he shared his balloons? Can you think of a time you felt the same?
What do balloons symbolize in the story?
What lessons can we learn from James’ adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating it to their own experiences with sharing and friendship.
Ask open-ended questions to foster critical thinking and deeper understanding of the story’s themes.
Highlight the moral lessons in the story, discussing the importance of generosity and community.
Create a fun and relaxed environment for the discussion, perhaps re-enacting parts of the story with balloons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of sharing
Explanation: James learns to share his balloons with his friends, realizing that his enjoyment increases when others are happy too.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their toys or snacks with friends, fostering a sense of community and empathy.
Example Lesson: Perseverance in overcoming obstacles
Explanation: Throughout the book, James encounters various challenges but continues to try new ways to solve them, ultimately learning from his mistakes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of persistence and learning from failures, applicable in academic challenges or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Imagination and creativity
Explanation: James uses his imagination to think of creative ways to retrieve the balloons when they float away.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use their imagination in play or in problem-solving scenarios, boosting cognitive flexibility and creative thinking.