OVER THE SHOP
What’s inside...
In a beautifully detailed wordless picture book, a tumbledown building becomes home sweet home for a found family.A lonely little girl and her grandparent need to fill the run-down apartment in their building. But taking over the rooms above their shop will mean major renovations for the new occupants, and none of the potential renters can envision the possibilities of the space - until one special couple shows up. With their ingenuity, the little girl's big heart, and heaps of hard work, the desperate fixer-upper begins to change in lovely and surprising ways. In this bustling wordless picture book, JonArno Lawson's touching story and Qin Leng's gentle illustrations capture all angles of the building's transformation, as well as the evolving perspectives of the girl and her grandparent. A wordless picture book that celebrates the power of community, the joys of new friends and the magic that happens when you open your heart, and fill your home with love and joy.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
42 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the little girl and her grandparent feel when they first see the shop below their home?
Why is it important for the characters to fix up the shop and the apartment?
How do the characters in the story help one another, and what can we learn from this?
In what ways do the changes in the shop affect the neighborhood?
How do you think the story would continue after the book ends?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, ensuring they feel heard and understood.
Discuss the significance of community and teamwork highlighted in the book, relating it to your child’s own experiences in school or within the community.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or continuations of the story, fostering creativity and deeper thinking.
Point out the non-verbal cues in the illustrations, such as expressions and body language, to enhance understanding of the characters' emotions and actions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of kindness and generosity
Explanation: In 'Over the Shop,' the young protagonist and her grandmother show kindness by fixing up the apartment above their shop and welcoming new tenants. Their actions transform the lives of everyone involved.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to extend kindness in their own lives, whether it's through helping a new student feel welcome or assisting a family member with a task.
Example Lesson: The value of community and cooperation
Explanation: The characters in the book come together to renovate the apartment, showcasing how teamwork can lead to positive changes and create a sense of community.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by participating in group activities at school or in their neighborhood, learning that cooperation can achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: The impact of change and new beginnings
Explanation: As the new tenants move in and the neighborhood begins to flourish, children see how change can be a positive force and lead to new opportunities.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to embrace change in their lives, such as moving to a new school or trying out a new activity, understanding that it can lead to new friendships and experiences.
Example Lesson: Acceptance and diversity
Explanation: The book portrays a diverse cast of characters, emphasizing acceptance and the beauty of diversity in a community setting.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences among their peers, fostering an inclusive environment wherever they go.