Julie and the Mango Tree
What’s inside...
In this lively picture book illustrated by Sayada Ramdial and written by Sadé Smith, readers follow Julie as she tries to get a mango from the big tree in her yard during a sticky summer afternoon. Despite her polite requests and patience, the tree refuses to drop a mango. The story, filled with bright artwork and humor, captures Julie's determination to taste her favorite fruit and will leave readers of all ages giggling—and craving a mango.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Julie learned from her experience with the mango tree?
How do you feel when you help someone, like Julie helped the tree?
What would you have done if you were in Julie's place?
Why is it important to take care of nature?
How did the story make you feel about friendship and kindness?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate personal experiences to Julie’s story, making connections between their actions and the outcomes. Ask them to imagine alternative endings to the story to foster creativity. Discuss the importance of nature and how we can protect it, drawing parallels with the nurturing behavior shown by Julie. Share your own stories of kindness and the impact it had, reinforcing the story’s values. Utilize the themes of friendship and cooperation from the book to discuss real-life applications with your child.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: Julie faces various challenges while trying to grow a mango tree, but she remains dedicated and persistent throughout.
Real-World Application: Children learn that sticking with a task, even when it gets tough, can lead to rewarding outcomes in school projects or learning new skills.
Example Lesson: Valuing nature and environmental responsibility
Explanation: Julie learns about the ecosystem and her role in preserving it while taking care of the mango tree.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to engage in environmentally friendly practices like recycling, conserving water, and planting trees.
Example Lesson: Patience and delayed gratification
Explanation: Growing a tree takes time and Julie learns to wait patiently for the mangoes to grow and ripen.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of waiting for long-term rewards, whether it’s saving up their allowance for a coveted toy or awaiting the results of hard work in school.
Example Lesson: Learning from mistakes
Explanation: Julie makes mistakes in her initial attempts to plant and nurture the mango tree, but she uses these as learning experiences.
Real-World Application: This teaches children that mistakes are a natural part of learning and growth, encouraging them to take risks and learn from their errors rather than fearing failure.
Example Lesson: Practicing empathy and care
Explanation: Through her responsibilities with the mango tree, Julie develops a nurturing attitude, showing empathy towards the tree's needs.
Real-World Application: Children can mirror this behavior by showing care and empathy towards pets, plants, and even their peers, fostering better relationships.