My Pen
on Goodreads (1,291)
What’s inside...
In two unique stories, a pen brings a sketchbook to life with rich illustrations and a fourth grader named Winnie struggles to find her special talent while dealing with jealousy and self-acceptance. 'My pen rides dinosaurs' showcases the power of a pen in a kid's hand, while 'Winnie' explores complex emotions and the journey to discovering one's true gift among friends.
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
The Boy (Unnamed)
Discussion points
How do you think the pen helps the narrator express his feelings?
What could the different images the pen creates represent?
Why do you think the pen is so important to the narrator?
Can you think of an object that makes you feel as powerful as the pen makes the narrator feel?
How do you imagine you would use the pen if you had it for a day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts freely by showing genuine interest in their responses.
Connect the themes of the book to your child's experiences by discussing times they've used creativity to solve a problem or express themselves.
Facilitate a drawing session after reading, where your child can use a pen to create their own images and discuss their meanings.
Ask your child to describe how they feel when using their favorite tools or objects for creativity, drawing parallels to the narrator's attachment to the pen.
Promote empathy by discussing the emotions and situations of the narrator in the story, and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: In 'My Pen', the author showcases the protagonist using his pen to create dynamic worlds from his imagination, demonstrating the power of creative expression.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to use writing or drawing as a form of self-expression, helping them to communicate their feelings and ideas creatively.
Example Lesson: Confidence in One’s Abilities
Explanation: The protagonist in the book learns to appreciate his own unique style and contribution, realizing that his creativity is valuable and unique.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to value their own skills and contributions, boosting their self-esteem and encouraging them to take pride in their work.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Through his drawings, the protagonist explores different perspectives and lives, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding for diverse experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore and understand different perspectives through art and storytelling, helping build empathy and social awareness.
Example Lesson: The Power of Simplicity
Explanation: The story emphasizes that even a simple pen, an everyday object, can be a tool for creation and impact, highlighting that simplicity has its own power.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children that they don't always need complex tools or resources to create something meaningful; often, simple resources can lead to profound outcomes.