My Little Thief
What’s inside...
In 'My Little Thief', a whimsical yet poignant tale unfolds as we follow the journey of a young protagonist who unexpectedly encounters a mischievous creature with a penchant for swiping shiny objects. This magical being leads our hero on an adventure that challenges notions of right and wrong, ownership, and the true meaning of friendship. An unforgettable story of friendship between a curious girl with a rich imagination and a winged thief with a very big heart. Chloe loves many things—bugs, the dark, and especially broken or forgotten objects. But she doesn’t seem to care for birds. When a mischievous crow appears in her backyard, Chloe steps out of her comfort zone and offers the curious creature a bite of her lunch. In return, Crow brings Chloe a beautiful button. Inspired by a true account of an unexpected friendship between a young girl and a crow, this thoughtful story explores misunderstandings and the value of everyday treasures.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated the little thief to steal, and how does that make you feel?
If you were in the story, how would you help the little thief make better choices?
What are some consequences the little thief faced, and what can we learn from them?
How do you think the story would change if the little thief was honest from the beginning?
Can you think of a time when you faced a similar situation as the little thief? What did you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story of a time you faced a moral dilemma, to set a comforting tone and encourage openness.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings based on different choices the characters could make, which helps develop creative thinking.
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story's events and characters, fostering empathy and emotional intelligence.
After discussing each question, relate the situation back to real-life scenarios your child might encounter, which enhances personal connection and learning.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Honesty
Explanation: In 'My Little Thief', the protagonist learns the importance of being truthful after facing consequences for stealing. The story captures the journey from deceit to redemption.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by understanding the value of honesty in building trust with family and friends, and the negative outcomes that dishonesty can bring.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: The book illustrates how taking responsibility for one's actions leads to personal growth and respect from others. The main character takes ownership of their misdeeds and works to make amends.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, whether it’s admitting to a mistake or completing tasks they have committed to, fostering accountability from a young age.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of others affected by their actions, promoting a strong sense of empathy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider the feelings and perspectives of others before acting, aiding in the development of interpersonal relationships and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: The theme of forgiveness is explored as characters in the book learn to forgive the protagonist's mistakes, teaching that everyone deserves a second chance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children grasp the importance of forgiving others and themselves, easing conflicts and leading to more harmonious interactions.
Example Lesson: Courage to Change
Explanation: The protagonist's journey from a thief to becoming honest showcases the courage required to change and make better choices.
Real-World Application: Instills the belief in children that change is possible with courage and effort, encouraging them to strive for positive personal growth even when it's challenging.