Nina, Nina Ballerina (Penguin Young Readers, Level 2)
Penguin Young Readers, Level 2 Series
What’s inside...
An accident becomes an opportunity for Nina to stand out in a group of dancing butterflies at the dance show. It's the big dance show! Nina is a butterfly with pretty wings and a bug mask. However, she is not the only one; there are lots of butterflies. How will her mom know which one is Nina? Read this funny story and find out!
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Nina
Discussion points
How did Nina feel when she was preparing for her ballet recital? Can you describe a time when you felt the same?
What are some qualities that make Nina a good friend? How can you be a good friend to others?
Why is practicing important for Nina? How does it help her perform better?
What challenges did Nina face, and how did she overcome them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate their own experiences to Nina’s, fostering empathy and connection. Ask questions that prompt them to think about persistence, practice, and friendship. Highlight the importance of effort and perseverance shown by Nina to inspire similar dedication. Share your own stories related to the themes in the book to deepen the bond and understanding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Nina faces challenges while preparing for her ballet recital, but she continues to practice and improves her skills.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of practicing and not giving up when facing difficulties in their own hobbies or schoolwork.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Nina and her friends work together during rehearsals to perform their best at the recital.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to collaborate with others and shows that teamwork can lead to successful outcomes.
Example Lesson: Confidence
Explanation: Through her persistent efforts and eventual success in the ballet performance, Nina gains confidence in herself.
Real-World Application: Children can understand that self-confidence can be developed through commitment and accomplishing personal goals.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Nervousness
Explanation: Nina experiences stage fright on the day of her recital but manages to overcome her fear.
Real-World Application: This can help children learn strategies to manage their anxieties and nerves in daunting situations like performances or presentations at school.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Nina shows concern for her friends when they make mistakes during practice, offering words of encouragement.
Real-World Application: This highlights the value of being supportive and understanding towards others, teaching children to empathize and assist friends in need.