Orlando on a Thursday
on Goodreads (38)
What’s inside...
Changes and separations in a young child's life are less worrisome with the help of playful rituals in this sweet, reassuring picture book. Everything is an adventure when Orlando and his mommy spend the day together: drawing a picture, taking a walk, even having a snack. Then comes Thursday -the day Mami has to be busy in town. Remembering this makes Orlando sad, until Papi reminds him about all the super, super things that can happen when they're together on a Thursday! Emma Magenta's gently quirky narrative and fresh, charmingly naïve illustrations evoke a true toddler sensibility, while weaving a cocoon of love and security around young Orlando in a story as comforting as a mug of warm, frothy milk.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Orlando was feeling on his adventure and why?
If you were Orlando, what would you have done differently on your Thursday adventure?
What does the story teach us about trying new things or exploring new places?
How do you think Orlando's journey changed him by the end of the book?
Which part of Orlando’s adventure did you enjoy the most and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions and excitement in Orlando’s adventure, making the story come alive for your child.
Ask your child to draw a picture of their favorite scene from the book. Discuss why they chose that particular scene and what they liked about it.
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences, such as a time they tried something new or went somewhere exciting.
After reading the book, engage in a role-play where you and your child act out different parts of the story. This helps deepen their understanding and recall of the story.
Discuss the moral of the story and ask your child how they can apply it in their own life, promoting critical thinking and personal growth.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: Orlando faces various unexpected challenges on a Thursday, which teaches him to adapt and find joy in new situations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be flexible and positive when encountering changes such as moving to a new school or having a different daily routine.
Example Lesson: Importance of Kindness
Explanation: Throughout his adventures, Orlando consistently treats others with kindness, which helps him make new friends and navigate his day.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to practice kindness in their interactions, fostering friendships and understanding in diverse situations.
Example Lesson: Value of Curiosity
Explanation: Orlando's curious nature leads him to discover and learn about new things around him, enhancing his knowledge and experiences.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions and explore their surroundings, which can enhance their cognitive development and understanding of the world.
Example Lesson: Problem-Solving Skills
Explanation: Orlando encounters various problems during his day and finds creative ways to solve them, demonstrating effective problem-solving.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think critically and find solutions to challenges they may face, such as resolving conflicts with peers or tackling difficult tasks.