Little Nino's Pizzeria (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)
What’s inside...
Working together at a family pizzeria goes from cozy to chaotic when the business expands and becomes a big fancy restaurant. Little Tony tries to be helpful but finds himself always in the way. He misses Little Nino's, and so does his father. This picture book, full of visually boisterous activity and family closeness, delivers a thoughtful message about the true meaning of success and family. This exuberant picture book tells the story of Tony, a little boy who helps his father in the family pizzeria. The scenes are full of visually boisterous activity, with underpinnings of humorous detail and a clear sense of family closeness so important to the story. A decidedly fresh-looking book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes Little Nino's pizzeria special compared to other restaurants?
How do you think Tony felt when his father opened a new, bigger restaurant?
What changes did you notice in the family’s life when they started running a bigger restaurant?
Why do you think Tony’s father decided to go back to the original smaller pizzeria at the end?
If you could create your own restaurant, what would it be like and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the elements of family and community by asking what they enjoy about family meals or gatherings.
Discuss the concept of change and growth, both in terms of the restaurant and the characters, to help your child connect to the story and relate it to their own experiences.
Use the story as a springboard to discuss the importance of staying true to oneself, as Tony’s father does when he returns to the smaller pizzeria.
Prompt your child to imagine their own version of a perfect eatery to foster creativity and entrepreneurial thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Bonding
Explanation: In 'Little Nino's Pizzeria', the story centers around Tony and his father, showcasing their close-knit relationship while working together in their family-owned pizzeria. This demonstrates the joy and fulfillment of family collaborations.
Real-World Application: Children can engage in family activities, such as cooking or other projects, to strengthen their family bonds and spend quality time together.
Example Lesson: Value of Hard Work
Explanation: Tony's father's dedication to his pizzeria and his eventual decision to choose a smaller venue to maintain quality and closeness with his family highlights the merits of hard work and the rewards it brings.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of diligence and perseverance in achieving goals, which can be applied in their academic and personal lives.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: The family faces changes when they move from a small pizzeria to a larger one and back again. This plot point helps children understand that changes are a part of life and managing them effectively is crucial.
Real-World Application: This lesson prepares children to be flexible and adaptive to new environments or situations in school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Pride in One's Work
Explanation: Tony's pride in his father's ability to make delicious pizzas and the care he puts into his work teaches children to take pride in their own efforts and the quality of what they produce.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by dedicating themselves to their tasks, whether it’s in their studies, arts, sports, or other activities, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-worth.
Example Lesson: Understanding Entrepreneurial Skills
Explanation: Through the story of managing a pizzeria, children are introduced to basic entrepreneurial skills such as managing a business, dealing with customers, and the importance of location and quality in business.
Real-World Application: Kids can develop an early understanding of entrepreneurship which can encourage them to initiate their own small projects, like a lemonade stand or a school fundraiser, applying practical business concepts.