La La La: A Story of Hope
What’s inside...
This nearly wordless graphic story follows a little girl in search of a friend. 'La la la . . . la.' A little girl stands alone and sings, but hears no response. Gathering her courage and her curiosity, she skips farther out into the world, singing away to the trees and the pond and the reeds -- but no song comes back to her. Day passes into night, and the girl dares to venture into the darkness toward the light of the moon, becoming more insistent in her singing, climbing as high as she can, but still there is silence in return. Dejected, she falls asleep on the ground, only to be awakened by an amazing sound. She has been heard. At last. Conceived by Kate DiCamillo and featuring enchanting illustrations by Jaime Kim, this nearly wordless graphic story follows a little girl in search of a friend.
Age
4-8
Length
70 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the little girl is hoping for when she sings 'La La La'?
How did you feel when the girl felt alone? Have you ever felt the same way?
Why do you think it's important for the girl to keep singing, even when no one seems to respond at first?
What does this story teach us about hope and perseverance?
How did you feel at the end of the book, and why do you think the story ended that way?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to mirror the emotions of the girl, emphasizing moments of loneliness and joy.
Pause at key moments to allow your child to absorb the illustrations and ask what they see and feel.
After reading, relate the girl's experiences to real-life situations your child might face, discussing how hope can be a powerful tool.
Encourage your child to talk about a time they had to keep trying, even when it was tough, drawing parallels to the girl’s persistence in the story.
Discuss the concept of hope as something invisible but feelable, and ask your child what hope feels like to them.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The main character continues to sing despite not receiving an immediate response, demonstrating resilience and determination.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of perseverance in achieving goals, understanding that not all efforts show instant results, but consistent effort is key.
Example Lesson: Hope and Optimism
Explanation: Throughout the book, the theme of hope is central as the protagonist holds onto the belief that her voice will eventually be heard.
Real-World Application: This instills a sense of optimism in children, teaching them to remain hopeful and positive even in times of loneliness or doubt.
Example Lesson: The Power of Communication
Explanation: The little girl’s journey highlights how reaching out and communicating feelings can bridge gaps and connect individuals.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the value of expressing themselves and the significant impact it can have on encountering and fostering new friendships.
Example Lesson: Courage to be Yourself
Explanation: Singing alone in various scenarios, the character shows bravery in being true to herself and her voice, regardless of the surroundings.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to confidently be themselves and to take pride in their unique qualities, fostering self-esteem and individuality.