Little Swan (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))
#1 in Red Fox Ballet Books Series
on Goodreads (13)
What’s inside...
Annie's seven-year-old sister Weezer begins taking ballet lessons and develops a passion for dance. Despite her love for dancing, Weezer has a deep fear of dance recitals. As she navigates her joys and fears, she encounters a mysterious neighbor who was once a dancer with the Bolshoi Ballet. This encounter helps Weezer learn to handle both her joys and terrors simultaneously.
Discussion points
How do you think Little Swan felt when she was trying to find her place in the world?
What qualities did you admire in Little Swan, and why?
How did the other characters support Little Swan in her journey?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and courage from the story?
What changes did you notice in Little Swan from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to Little Swan by sharing personal experiences of overcoming obstacles or finding where they belong.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and courage as exemplified by Little Swan, and ask your child about times they’ve had to show courage.
Highlight the supportive roles played by other characters, prompting your child to talk about people in their lives who support them.
Use the book’s vivid descriptions to inspire visualization, asking your child to imagine and describe where they think Little Swan’s journey takes place.
After reading the book, encourage your child to create drawings or craft projects based on the story’s themes, further enhancing their connection to the narrative.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Little Swan showcases resilience through the main character's journey of growing up and facing challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to tackle their own challenges, whether in school or during extracurricular activities, with determination and resilience.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story illustrates how Little Swan expresses concern and kindness towards other characters.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to understand and share the feelings of their peers and develop strong, empathetic relationships.
Example Lesson: Achieving Potential
Explanation: As Little Swan learns and grows, the book emphasizes the theme of achieving one's potential through hard work and perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to pursue their interests and talents relentlessly to realize their full potential.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family Support
Explanation: The family of Little Swan plays a crucial role in supporting and guiding her, highlighting the significance of a nurturing family environment.
Real-World Application: This lesson underlines the importance of family in personal growth and success, prompting children to value and seek support from their family members.