Never, Not Ever! (Hardback) /anglais
on Goodreads (491)
What’s inside...
Pascaline, a bat, adamantly refuses to attend school, despite knowing who else will be there. On the first day, her loud declaration of 'Never, Not Ever!' leads to an unexpected and amazing event that changes everything. This laugh-out-loud funny and charming tale captures the struggles of the first day of school and is a perfect read for children who feel anxious about going back to school. 'Never, Not Ever!' is the instant classic from Beatrice Alemagna—a laugh-out-loud tribute to little kids everywhere who would prefer not to leave home on the first day of school. The other animals are marching dutifully to school, but Pascaline could care less. “Never, not ever!” she declares. She’s NOT going. And nothing—not even her parents pulling her by her feet—will change her mind. She shrieks so loudly that her parents shrink down to the size of peanuts—becoming just the right size to fit snugly under Pascaline’s wing. Now they can all go to school together! In 'Never, Not Ever!' award-winning picture book creator Beatrice Alemagna reminds us that small children need their parents to be close by... but not too close.
Discussion points
What do you think the main character felt when they said 'Never, Not Ever!'?
Can you think of a time when you felt the same way as the character?
Why do you think it's important to sometimes say no?
What are some ways we can express our feelings respectfully, even if we disagree?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate to the character by sharing personal experiences. Validate their emotions and responses as they discuss, highlighting the importance of expressing oneself honestly yet kindly. Use examples from the book to guide discussions about boundaries and the power of words.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of perseverance
Explanation: The story demonstrates how the main character faces challenges but continues to try, regardless of the obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persist through difficulties, whether in school or during extracurricular activities, understanding that effort leads to achievement.
Example Lesson: Value of patience
Explanation: The narrative shows that outcomes are not always immediate and that patience is required to reach a goal.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson in their interactions with friends or while learning new skills, realizing that some things take time to master or achieve.
Example Lesson: Accepting and learning from failure
Explanation: Characters in the book experience setbacks but use them as learning opportunities, rather than reasons to give up.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to view failures as chances to learn and grow, rather than just obstacles. This can foster resilience in facing school challenges or personal hurdles.