Mama Mirabelle: Big Enough
Mama Mirabelle Series
on Goodreads (9)
What’s inside...
Max is upset because Mama Mirabelle won't let him play like the big kids. She tells him he can do anything he wants when he is older. Feeling defiant, Max embarks on an elephant walk across the savanna on his own. As the sun sets, he becomes scared and Mama Mirabelle comes to his rescue. She shows him a home movie about baby animals and their mothers, helping Max realize that being a kid is okay for now.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mama Mirabelle helps the animals feel confident about growing up?
What are some things you are excited to do when you get bigger?
Why do you think it's important for the animals to listen to Mama Mirabelle?
What are some ways you can help your friends if they feel scared or unsure, just like Mama does with the animals?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, emphasize the importance of growth and trying new things, relating them to your child’s personal experiences.
Encourage your child to express how they feel about growing up, and share your own experiences to deepen the bond.
Focus on the nurturing relationship between Mama Mirabelle and the animals, prompting your child to think about the supportive relationships in their own life.
Use a reassuring tone to help your child understand that it's normal to feel both excited and nervous about growing up.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Growth and Development
Explanation: In 'Mama Mirabelle: Big Enough', the story showcases different animals and how they grow at varying rates, teaching children that growth is a natural and individual process.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to understanding their own growth and that of their peers, fostering a sense of patience and self-acceptance in personal development.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The interactions between Mama Mirabelle and her child, as well as other young animals, highlight the importance of showing kindness and understanding towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these principles in their interactions with friends and family, leading to more harmonious relationships and better emotional understanding.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: The young animals in the book ask questions about the world around them, demonstrating the value of curiosity and the pursuit of knowledge.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore their own questions about the world, enhancing their cognitive skills and instilling a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Differences
Explanation: The book portrays various animals who look and act differently, which can teach children to appreciate diversity and accept differences among people.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to embrace diversity in their community and school, promoting inclusivity and reducing prejudices from a young age.
Example Lesson: Family and Social Bonds
Explanation: The story emphasizes the strong bond between Mama Mirabelle and her child, along with their interactions with other animals, underscoring the importance of family and community support.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children appreciate their family and community, understanding the critical role these bonds play in emotional and social support.