Little Diva
What’s inside...
Curtain up! Light the lights! Nena wants to be a Diva—with a capital D—just like her mommy, who's a star on Broadway. She wants to sing, act, and dance, but knows it will take lots of work—and lots of fun—for all her wishes to come true. Tony Award-winning actress LaChanze and Caldecott Honoree Brian Pinkney present a showstopping story about a day in the life of a little diva with BIG Broadway dreams.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nena
Nena'S Mother
Discussion points
What do you think made the main character feel like a diva?
How do you think the character's family and friends helped her throughout the story?
Can you think of a time when you felt special like the main character?
What would you do if you were in the main character's shoes in the story?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in our town?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by sharing a personal story of a similar situation.
Ask your child to imagine and discuss alternative endings to the story to build their creative thinking skills.
Validate your child's feelings and opinions about the book, showing that their thoughts are important and valued.
If possible, correlate themes from the book with real-life events or people, making the reading experience more tangible for your child.
Encourage your child to draw or act out their favorite part of the story, enhancing their connection to the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Self-confidence
Explanation: The protagonist, Little Diva, showcases her journey of discovering her own unique talents and embracing them confidently.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by exploring and developing their own interests and presenting themselves confidently in social settings and school activities.
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: Little Diva interacts with peers from various backgrounds, learning to appreciate different cultures and perspectives.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to be open-minded and respectful towards classmates and neighbors who come from different cultural backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the book, Little Diva navigates challenges and joys with the help of her friends, highlighting the value of supportive relationships.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to nurture friendships, share, and cooperate, which are important skills for social interaction at school and beyond.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: Little Diva uses her creative skills to solve problems and express her thoughts and emotions effectively.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to use creative outlets like art, music, or writing to express themselves and handle emotional challenges.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The character demonstrates responsibility through her commitments to her school projects and helping at home.
Real-World Application: Kids can relate this to being responsible for their own tasks, such as homework or chores, fostering a sense of duty and accomplishment.