Lena's Lollipop
What’s inside...
In 'Lena's Lollipop,' Christine Scaglione tells a heartfelt story about Lena and her Nana's special bond. During a lovely spring day walk, they visit a candy shop where Lena makes a secret wish. This sweet tale emphasizes the values of empathy, kindness, and selflessness, with vibrant illustrations that captivate young readers and instill important lessons.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
34 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Lena felt when she lost her lollipop?
Why is sharing important, like when Lena shared her treats with her friends?
What would you have done if you were in Lena's place?
How do you think the story would change if Lena didn’t find her lollipop?
Can you think of a time when you lost something important and found it? How did it make you feel?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive read-aloud techniques to mimic the emotions Lena experiences in the story, which can help your child understand and connect with her feelings.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next at pivotal points in the story to encourage critical thinking.
Relate the story to your child’s experiences by discussing times they have shared something or lost something important, reinforcing the themes of the book.
Discuss the importance of friendship and sharing, drawing examples from the book and asking your child how they practice these values in their own life.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene or character from the book, discussing why they made that choice.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Sharing is caring
Explanation: In the story, Lena learns the importance of sharing her lollipop with her friends, demonstrating kindness and generosity.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by sharing their toys or snacks with their peers, fostering a supportive and caring environment.
Example Lesson: Patience is a virtue
Explanation: Lena waits patiently for her turn to get a lollipop, which teaches the value of waiting and self-control.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of waiting their turn in daily activities such as in school or while playing games.
Example Lesson: Joy in small things
Explanation: Lena finds immense joy in a simple lollipop, which highlights the theme of finding happiness in the small, everyday pleasures.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and find joy in the simple aspects of daily life, such as playing outside or spending time with family.