Our Favourite Things. The Story of Home in The Gambia and Sweden
What’s inside...
Our Favourite Things is a vivid and engaging story of discovery and love. We meet a Gambian-Swedish family who give the reader a glimpse of both worlds that they call home. As children grow and search for a space where they belong, this book can serve as a reminder and celebration that you can exist in more than one space. A unique story which presents the idea of Home as more than a place. A powerful picture book that celebrates multiculturalism.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-6
Length
36 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do our homes in different places around the world share similarities and differences?
What are some favorite things you have at home that make you feel happy and why?
How do you think the children in the book feel about their homes in The Gambia and Sweden?
What did you learn about the cultures of The Gambia and Sweden from this story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a cozy reading environment and encourage your child to reflect on their own home while discussing the book. Relate the themes of the book to your child’s everyday experiences to make the content more relatable and engaging. Use the illustrations in the book to spark deeper conversations about the diverse lifestyles and cultures depicted. Be patient and give your child time to form and express their thoughts about each question.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cultural Appreciation
Explanation: The story illustrates the beauty of diverse cultures through the contrast between life in The Gambia and Sweden, showing the uniqueness of each.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to respect and find interest in different cultures they encounter at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Home
Explanation: By depicting two very different environments as 'home', this book teaches that home is not just a place, but a space where one feels loved and safe.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by cherishing their home environment and contributing positively to make it a space of comfort and security.
Example Lesson: Sharing Personal Stories
Explanation: Characters in the book share personal stories about their lives in both The Gambia and Sweden, highlighting the power of storytelling in connecting people.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to share their own stories with friends and family, fostering stronger bonds and mutual understanding.
Example Lesson: Adaptability
Explanation: The characters adapt to different cultures and surroundings, showing resilience and flexibility.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to be more adaptable when facing new situations such as moving to a new place or adjusting to a new school.
Example Lesson: Family Bonds
Explanation: Despite the geographic and cultural distance, the book emphasizes the strength of family ties and the support they provide.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and maintain their relationships with family members, regardless of distance or differences.