Lambslide
What’s inside...
In a humorous picture book by Ann Patchett and Robin Preiss Glasser, a group of confident lambs hear about a 'lambslide' and mistaken it for a slide made just for them. They embark on a farm-wide search for this special slide, only to realize they misunderstood 'landslide' from a school election conversation. Undeterred, the lambs decide to hold their own vote on whether they should have a lambslide. This delightful collaboration offers a witty play on words that will entertain both children and adults as they anticipate the lambs' election results.
Why read this book
- Engaging story fosters children’s participation and imagination.
- Introduces democratic concepts in a fun, accessible way.
- Encourages teamwork and community involvement among young readers.
- Vibrant illustrations complement the humorous, captivating narrative.
The Big Picture
- Engages kids with the concept of democracy and teamwork.
- Encourages communication and decision-making skills.
- Highlights the power of a collective voice.
What parents love
- Great mix of fun and educational content.
- Kids loved the voting theme!
- Humorous story that subtly teaches important values.
- Engaging and thought-provoking for young minds.
Diversity & Representation
- Promotes inclusion through diverse animal characters.
- Encourages acceptance across different barnyard species.
- Reflects a community working together despite differences.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the lambs felt when they first suggested the idea of a Lambslide?
What can we learn from the animals working together to achieve something?
Why is it important to listen to everyone's ideas, even if they seem silly at first?
How did the animals solve the problem when they realized not everyone understood what a 'Lambslide' was?
Can you think of a time when you worked together with others to make something fun happen?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on why teamwork was essential in the story and relate it to their experiences with friends or family.
Ask your child what they would have done if they were in the story, fostering a deeper connection with the book’s themes.
Discuss the importance of clear communication, using the misunderstanding about 'Lambslide' vs. 'Landslide' as a reference point.
Highlight the significance of each animal's role in the story, prompting your child to talk about how everyone's contribution matters.
Relate the story’s themes to real-life scenarios, encouraging practical understanding and application of the book's lessons.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of voting and democracy
Explanation: In 'Lambslide', the farm animals learn about the process of voting when the lambs mishear 'landslide' as 'lambslide'. This misunderstanding leads to an organized election to decide whether or not they should build a slide.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of participating in decisions, whether it’s in choosing a classroom activity or deciding on a family outing, emphasizing that every vote counts.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: The story highlights how the animals on the farm must communicate and work together to organize the vote and execute the building of the slide.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to cooperate with others on group projects at school or when playing team sports.
Example Lesson: Understanding and addressing misunderstandings
Explanation: The entire plot of 'Lambslide' is based on a misunderstanding between 'landslide' and 'lambslide.' The animals talk through their initial confusion to reach a shared goal.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn the importance of clarity in communication and asking questions when unsure, useful in everyday interactions and learning.
Example Lesson: Civic engagement from an early age
Explanation: The farm animals, including the young lambs, are proactive in their community decision-making, showing that involvement isn’t restricted by age.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take initiative in their own environments, be it home, school, or local community.