O Menino Que Nao Gostava da Noite
What’s inside...
The story follows a young boy who initially dislikes the night and its encompassing darkness. However, through a series of adventures and encounters, he learns to appreciate the night and discovers its many wonders. Written by a 4-year-old boy, this book provides a view of how a child's mind works to solve problems using fantasy and reality. Parents will be inspired by the story of companionship and encouragement from his mother, who managed to turn suffering into excitement to find the solution to a big problem. The problem was that he needed to end the night so that it could always be day and he could play all the time. Ewan's ideas were so creative and his conclusions so realistic - especially for a 4-year-old boy - that the story had to be turned into a book. This story will plant the seeds of creativity, self-awareness, and environmental consciousness early in a child's life. It shows children that they can dream big, but their actions have consequences and will affect others, and sometimes, it's better to accept that some things cannot be changed and to live in the present moment.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-6
Length
28 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Why do you think the boy in the story doesn't like the night?
How do you feel about the night, and what parts do you like or dislike?
What adventures would you go on if you could fly like the boy in his dream?
How did the boy feel at the end of the story, and what changed for him?
If you could change something about night time, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
To engage your child in a meaningful conversation, start by sharing your own feelings about night time, establishing a relatable ground. Use expressive questions and let your child lead the conversation, validating their feelings and thoughts. Encourage them to imagine and describe their perfect night, fostering creativity and personal connection to the story's themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The protagonist's journey to liking the night shows children that initial reluctance can turn into acceptance and even enjoyment with understanding and experience.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson when facing new experiences, such as starting a new school or trying a new activity, learning to embrace changes positively.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The protagonist uses inventive methods to address his dislike for the night, demonstrating the value of creative problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think creatively in solving their own problems, whether it's dealing with a difficult homework question or resolving a conflict with a peer.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The character’s adventure to discover what night holds is driven by curiosity, showcasing the importance of exploring the unknown.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious about the world around them and explore subjects and areas that are unfamiliar to expand their knowledge and experiences.
Example Lesson: Courage in the Face of Fear
Explanation: By choosing to explore the night, the protagonist shows bravery, illustrating how courage can help overcome fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children face their own fears, encouraging them to take brave steps like trying out for a sports team or performing in a school play.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Nature
Explanation: As the boy discovers the beauty of the night, from starry skies to nocturnal wildlife, the book highlights the importance of appreciating and respecting the natural world.
Real-World Application: This can lead children to take an interest in nature, promoting activities like stargazing, camping, or wildlife watching, fostering a lifelong respect for the environment.