Nina and the Kung-Fu Adventure
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
Nina’s schoolfriend Lee is in trouble, so she must borrow her aunt’s travelling spice shed and head to Beijing. Now they are both on a great adventure involving a kung fu master, a yellow snake and a mysterious riddle . . .
Why read this book
- Exciting adventure fosters bravery and exploration.
- Cultural insights enrich children’s global awareness.
- Engaging narrative supports reading comprehension skills.
- Interactive elements encourage active participation.
Discussion points
How do you think Nina felt when she started her Kung-Fu adventure?
What are some of the important lessons Nina learned during her journey?
How did Nina's relationship with her friends and family change by the end of the book?
If you could have a similar adventure, what skills would you like to learn?
What do you think the most exciting part of Nina's adventure was?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in Nina’s shoes while discussing the book, helping them relate to her experiences and emotions. Use the questions to guide a conversation that helps your child connect the story to their own life and aspirations. After discussing, you could engage in a fun activity that mirrors Nina's adventure, like a beginner Kung-Fu class or crafting a story together about an adventure they’d like to embark on.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Facing Fears
Explanation: Nina learns to confront her fears as she embarks on a Kung-Fu adventure, facing daunting challenges and new experiences courageously.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by tackling new or intimidating situations in their daily lives, whether it’s trying out for a sports team, participating in a school play, or standing up to a bully.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Practice and Perseverance
Explanation: Throughout her adventure, Nina practices her Kung-Fu skills diligently, learning that perseverance and hard work lead to improvement and success.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to persistently practice any skill they wish to master, be it academic subjects, sports, or arts, understanding that consistent effort yields positive results.
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation and Respect
Explanation: Nina immerses herself in a new culture through her Kung-Fu journey, showcasing respect and appreciation for traditions and practices different from her own.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to embrace and respect diverse cultures and backgrounds, promoting inclusivity and global awareness in their interactions and learning environments.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship and Teamwork
Explanation: During her quest, Nina learns the importance of friendship and collaborating with others, as she makes friends who help her navigate through the challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of teamwork and cooperation, helping them in group tasks at school and in communal activities.