Janjak & Freda go to the Iron Market
Janjak & Freda Series
What’s inside...
In this first book of the bilingual Janjak and Freda series, cousins Janjak and Freda go with their godmother on an exciting adventure to Haiti's famous Iron Market. While there, they make many new friends, taste new fruits, and show the value of helping others when a runaway goat causes havoc in the market. The colorful text and beautiful illustrations will leave children dreaming up their own adventures. This story is told in such a way that the characters, scenery, and plot will be meaningful to both English speaking children and Creole speaking children. Rather than a literal translation, the Creole text has been rewritten by Wally Turnbull to provide the most authentic experience for Creole speakers. A Creole pronunciation guide at the back and a page of history about the Iron Market are useful supplements for parents and teachers seeking to broaden their children's world view.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think Janjak and Freda wanted to go to the Iron Market?
What are some of the interesting items they found in the market, and why do you think they caught their attention?
How do Janjak and Freda interact with the other characters in the market? What does this tell us about their personalities?
If you could pick one item from the Iron Market, what would it be and why?
How do you think the trip to the Iron Market changed Janjak and Freda’s friendship?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the Iron Market using vivid words, helping them build their descriptive vocabulary.
Ask your child how they would feel in a similar exciting new place, fostering empathy and self-awareness through relatable scenarios.
Prompt your child to think about the value of teamwork and friendship, as shown by Janjak and Freda, to underscore social developmental milestones.
Challenge your child to imagine other adventures that Janjak and Freda could go on, sparking creativity and enhancing narrative skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Janjak and Freda work together to navigate the bustling Iron Market, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaboration.
Real-World Application: Children learn that working together with others can accomplish tasks more efficiently and make difficult tasks easier.
Example Lesson: Valuing cultural heritage
Explanation: The vibrant depiction of the Iron Market introduces children to the cultural significance of local markets in many communities around the world.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultures and traditions, fostering a sense of global citizenship.
Example Lesson: Courage to explore new environments
Explanation: The characters' adventure in a new, lively setting teaches children the benefits of exploring unfamiliar places courageously.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open to new experiences, whether it's trying new activities or making new friends, which aids in personal growth and confidence.
Example Lesson: Understanding the value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout their journey, the support and camaraderie between Janjak and Freda highlight the deep bonds of friendship.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded of the importance of supporting and cherishing their friends, which is essential for building strong interpersonal relationships in their lives.