Not For Mimi/Pa Pou Mimi
What’s inside...
In 'Not For Mimi/Pa Pou Mimi', Klare Petit-Frère explores the life of a playful house cat named Mimi. As a new day begins and the sun rises, Mimi is eager to play and hopes to find a special toy just for herself. The story captures the essence of a cat's humorous life and highlights the importance of friendship. Written in both English and Haitian Creole, this storybook is ideal for bilingual speakers and families encouraging their children to learn Haitian Creole.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
2-6
Length
41 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Mimi felt when she couldn't have what she wanted?
What would you have done if you were in Mimi's place?
Can you think of a time when you wanted something that wasn't right for you? How did you handle it?
Why do you think it's important to sometimes not have things we want?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story and relate it to their own experiences.
Use emotive questioning to help your child understand Mimi’s emotions and reactions throughout the book.
Discuss the moral of the story and its application in day-to-day situations to enhance empathy and decision-making skills.
Highlight the importance of patience and understanding in situations when desires cannot be immediately fulfilled.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for Diversity
Explanation: The book highlights the beauty of cultural diversity as Mimi explores various customs and traditions. This is showcased when she interacts with friends from different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and respect the uniqueness of each culture they encounter, helping them interact harmoniously with peers from diverse backgrounds.
Example Lesson: Importance of Family
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the value of family support and bonding, especially during Mimi's journey. Her family’s guidance and encouragement play a pivotal role in her adventures.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to value their family connections and rely on their loved ones during challenging times and new experiences.
Example Lesson: Courage to Explore
Explanation: Mimi shows bravery as she explores unfamiliar places and tries new things, demonstrating a positive attitude towards learning and exploration.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious and brave about learning, whether it’s trying new activities, asking questions, or exploring new places.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Obstacles
Explanation: Throughout the book, Mimi faces several challenges but overcomes them through problem-solving and resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persistence and creative thinking when facing their own daily challenges.
Example Lesson: Joy of Learning
Explanation: Mimi’s excitement and wonder as she learns about different cultures are contagious, promoting a love for learning.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to see learning as a joyful, ongoing journey that extends beyond the classroom into every new experience they encounter.