Junket Is Nice (New York Review Children's Collection)
The New York Review children's collection Series
on Goodreads (69)
What’s inside...
WHAT IS JUNKET? Junket is a delicious custard and a lovely dessert. But why is the old man with a red beard and red slippers eating such an enormous bowl of junket, and what could he possibly be thinking about while he feasts? That's a good question! And one that the old man poses to the crowds and crowds of people that gather to watch him. In fact, almost everyone in the whole world wants to know the answer to this riddle. And only one little boy has the answer. This ingenious book of inspired nonsense was the very first from Dorothy Kunhardt, whose Pat the Bunny has delighted generations of young children.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
72 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Junket is and why do you think everyone is curious about it?
How do the different characters react to Junket and what does that tell us about them?
If you could ask the little old lady a question about Junket, what would you ask?
What would you imagine Junket tastes like and why?
How do you think the story would change if Junket was something else?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine their own version of Junket and describe it, fostering creative thinking.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene or character from the book. This helps connect visual and textual understanding.
After reading, engage in a fun activity where you and your child come up with a silly new food and describe its features, enhancing comprehension and retention.
Discuss the importance of curiosity and learning, as demonstrated by the characters’ interest in Junket, to instill a love for knowledge.
Link discussions from the book to real-life scenarios, aiding practical understanding and application of the theme.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and asking questions
Explanation: In 'Junket is Nice', the central theme revolves around the curiosity of various characters wanting to know what the old man thinks as he eats his junket. This demonstrates the value of curiosity and inquiry.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be inquisitive and ask questions about the world around them, fostering a lifelong love for learning and discovery.
Example Lesson: Listening skills
Explanation: Throughout the story, numerous characters gather around to listen to the old man’s thoughts, showcasing the importance of listening carefully.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the significance of listening to others, whether in classroom settings or in conversations, enhancing their communication skills.
Example Lesson: Patience
Explanation: The suspense of waiting to hear the old man’s thoughts on what he thinks about while eating junket teaches patience to the readers.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to wait patiently for their turn or for certain events, which is a crucial skill for their developmental growth.
Example Lesson: Sharing opinions
Explanation: Eventually, the old man shares his thoughts, illustrating the value of sharing one’s opinions and thoughts with others.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open about expressing their views and thoughts in group discussions or family conversations, aiding their social development.
Example Lesson: Enjoyment in simple things
Explanation: The old man’s simple pleasure in eating junket highlights the joy found in the simple things in life.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to find joy in everyday activities and appreciate the small things, promoting a positive outlook and happiness.