Lenny Henry (Little People, BIG DREAMS)
#25 of 115 in Little People, Big Dreams Series
What’s inside...
Discover the inspiring life of Sir Lenny Henry in this book from the Little People, BIG DREAMS series. From his early days in Dudley, England, where he entertained his siblings by mimicking TV characters, to his rise to fame as a comedian and his co-founding of the charity Comic Relief. Learn about Lenny's journey as he overcame racist bullying with humor and became a beloved comedian, actor, writer, and activist committed to creating a just world free from poverty. The book features quirky illustrations, extra facts, a biographical timeline, and a detailed profile of Lenny's life. This series explores the lives of outstanding people and offers inspiring messages to children, encouraging them to dream big.
Character compass
Lenny Henry
Discussion points
What challenges did Lenny Henry face, and how did he overcome them?
Why do you think it's important for Lenny to make people laugh?
How did Lenny's background and family influence his dreams and achievements?
What can we learn from Lenny's dedication to his passion?
How do you think Lenny felt when he achieved his dreams, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about their own dreams and aspirations, linking them with Lenny’s story.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and how it plays a role in achieving goals, drawing parallels to Lenny’s life.
Ask your child about times they’ve faced challenges and how they've managed to overcome them, relating back to Lenny's experiences.
Create a discussion around the importance of humor and positivity in life, emphasized by Lenny's career as a comedian.
After reading, consider watching some of Lenny Henry's performances online to give your child a fuller context of his achievements.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Lenny Henry faced racial discrimination and bullying during his childhood, but he persevered and pursued his passion for comedy and acting.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to stay determined and persistent in pursuing their dreams, even when facing challenges or setbacks.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book highlights Lenny Henry's journey as a black British man breaking through racial barriers in the entertainment industry.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of diversity and encourage them to respect and celebrate differences in people around them.
Example Lesson: Importance of Education
Explanation: Lenny Henry's success story emphasizes his focus on education, as he returned to school later in life to further his education.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of lifelong learning and encourages them to embrace education at all stages of life.
Example Lesson: Following Your Passion
Explanation: Despite the challenges, Lenny pursued what he loved—comedy and acting—and found great success.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to discover and engage in activities they are passionate about, understanding that doing what they love can lead to fulfillment and success.