Little Star: Book and Necklace
What’s inside...
Receiving a magical necklace from her grandmother, Little Star, a Lakota girl who wishes she could have a horse of her own, learns that kindness and love can make her greatest dreams come true.
Age
7-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Little Star felt when she was trying to shine brightly?
What do you think makes Little Star special?
Can you think of a time when you had to work hard at something like Little Star?
Why is it important to keep trying even when things are difficult?
How do you think the necklace that comes with the book helps tell Little Star’s story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use the necklace included with the book as a tangible connection to the story, allowing your child to feel more immersed.
Relate the challenges faced by Little Star to personal challenges your child might face, fostering a deeper emotional connection to the story.
Encourage your child to think about the qualities that make someone special, and discuss how they too possess unique qualities.
Highlight the importance of perseverance and discuss the rewards of hard work, as demonstrated by Little Star.
Ask your child to draw or describe their own version of a 'Little Star' and discuss what unique challenges their version of the star might face.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Sharing
Explanation: In the story, Little Star learns the value of sharing her light with others, which brings happiness not only to her friends but also to herself.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to share their toys, snacks, or time with friends and siblings, fostering generosity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fears
Explanation: Little Star faces her fear of darkness by lighting up the night sky. Her bravery in overcoming this fear helps her achieve her purpose.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to face their own fears, whether it's trying out for a sports team, speaking in front of the class, or sleeping alone in the dark.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Support
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Little Star is supported by her friends who encourage and help her realize her potential.
Real-World Application: Kids learn the importance of supporting others and being a good friend. This can be shown in everyday interactions at school or during playdates, where they encourage and support their peers.
Example Lesson: Believing in Yourself
Explanation: Little Star's story is a testament to believing in one’s own abilities and the magic within, which ultimately allows her to shine.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to have confidence in their abilities and to persevere even when tasks seem daunting, applicable in school work or in learning new skills.